2022 has been another exceptional year in women’s boxing, and 2023 promises to see continued growth in the popularity of our sport, as female fighters continue to gain the recognition they so richly deserve. Just like any professional sport and with participants of any gender, competitors dedicate their lives to perfecting skills and abilities, training hard every day with ambitions to reach the very top.

This is also why boxing has remained fascinating over the years, adding further excitement in one-versus-one bouts, given the capacity for anything to happen during bouts. This extends to those who enjoy wagering from the Middle East, eager to find Arabic betting sites backed by trusted reviews, accompanied by guides covering the best value odds. Particularly ahead of upcoming bouts, whenever undisputed champions are defending their titles.

So what is the main criteria to be recognised as being an undisputed champion? Well, just like in the men’s divisions, the same core principle applies in women’s boxing since 2009. They must hold the four major world titles simultaneously. These are the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles, and five superb female pugilists currently meet those conditions, underlining their outstanding achievements in the fight game.

The famous five

Starting at super middleweight, Franchón Crews-Dezurn became the undisputed champion on 30 April 2022, beating Elin Cederroos via unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. Retaining the WBC and WBO titles already held, she was able to take the WBA and IBF belts to complete the full set, becoming the first female undisputed middleweight champion in boxing history.

Next up is Claressa Shields, who is no stranger to the undisputed crown. From 13 April 2019 to 16 September 2020, she unified the big four titles after defeating Christina Hammer. Nevertheless, after having to vacate the WBO title and it was taken by Savannah Marshall, that one remaining belt was eventually won back, when Shields defeated Marshall on 15 October 2022 at the O2 Arena in London.

McCaskill has held each main welterweight title since 15 August 2020, defeating previous undisputed champion Cecilia Brækhus. After three successful defences McCaskill ambitiously bid for dominance in two separate weight divisions, facing undisputed light welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron. At the end of a thrilling bout in Abu Dhabi on 5 November 2022, Cameron beat McCaskill via unanimous decision, although both retained their undisputed crowns in each weight division.

Finally, we reach the female boxer who continues to amaze, thus far having remained undefeated throughout her professional career. Katie Taylor is the undisputed lightweight champion, having held that distinction since beating Delfine Persoon on 1 June 2019. Following 22 consecutive wins without loss, including 6 knockout victories, Taylor has also successfully defended her undisputed crown on 7 occasions.

What comes next?

Right now, only the WBC and IBO sanction fights in the heavyweight division, while at light heavyweight, the WBA, WBO, and IBO do at least sanction three championships. Nevertheless, titles are available in every other division and from all the governing bodies, including the main four, granting the opportunity to become undisputed champions.

That being said, politics between the different governing bodies can also influence things, which is an unfortunate necessity, whenever boxers are unable or unwilling to defend certain titles. But looking ahead to 2023 in women’s boxing, all five of the current undisputed champions will undoubtedly defend their titles.

Uncertainty seems to surround the Franchón Crews-Dezurn camp, who has yet to confirm her next bout, although one possibility is already whetting the appetite amongst fight fans. This could be an enthralling contest between Crews-Dezurn and Claressa Shields, potentially bringing the undisputed super middleweight and middleweight champions together.

Jessica McCaskill is also looking for her next challenge, and according to Box Live there are plenty of opportunities to choose from, although undisputed welterweight champion McCaskill's next fight could be the most appealing. There has been talk of taking on undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor, who is also considering options against opponents in other weight divisions.
Finally, boasting an undefeated career fight record of her own, Chantelle Cameron will be weighing up her next move carefully. While nothing has yet been confirmed, she too could look to face Katie Taylor, presenting the possibility of a clash between British women’s boxing titans. As always, it will certainly be worth following news of any planned fights with all these great boxers, albeit once they are finally agreed and confirmed.

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