The world of  women's boxing has witnessed many trailblazers. Born in Liberal, Kansas, Stacy Prestage stands tall among them. Her journey from the plains of Kansas to the global boxing arena is filled with determination, passion, and undeniable prowess. In this article, we will delve into the remarkable legacy of Prestage, uncovering both her professional achievements and personal tales.

The Beginning: Liberal, Kansas to the World Stage

Every legend has a starting point. For Stacy, it was the quiet town of Liberal, Kansas. From there, she embarked on a journey that would see her making history in women’s boxing.

First Steps Into the Boxing World

At the age of 20, Stacy found her mentor in Joe Gallegos, who became her first boxing trainer. Under his guidance, her first professional fight took place in May 1990 against Baby Bear Duran. Despite a daunting 40-pound weight difference in favor of her opponent, Stacy showcased her mettle, winning the four-round bout.

Ascending The Ladder of Success

For Stacy, boxing was more than just a sport; it was a calling. Every match, every training session was a testament to her unwavering commitment and evolving skills.

Training With the Greats

After her initial years, Stacy had the privilege to be trained by some of the legends of boxing: Joe Frazier, Leon Spinks, Larry Holmes, and Freddy Roach. Each added layers to her skillset, preparing her for the challenges ahead.

Historic Moments: Championship Glories and Notable Bouts

Achievements and accolades paint a picture of an athlete’s journey. And for Stacy, the canvas was filled with triumphant moments that changed the course of women’s boxing.

Kansas’ First Female World Champion

Stacy’s tenacity and skill led her to achieve what no other female boxer from Kansas had done before. She became the first female from the state to win a world championship. This historic win not only solidified her position in the world of boxing but also etched her name in the annals of Kansas sports history.

The First World Championship

On November 23, 1993, Stacy secured a place in boxing history. In a grueling 10-round battle against Deirdre Gogarty, she clinched the WIBF’s first World Championship belt. This milestone, marked by the establishment of the Women’s International Boxing Federation, signaled a new era in women’s boxing.

Facing Christy Martin

Stacy’s bout with Christy Martin is legendary. Going the full eight rounds, she gave Martin a run for her money. So much so that Martin, one of the era’s most dominant fighters, mistakenly believed she had lost the fight.

The Taj Mahal Bout

In 1996, Stacy found herself fighting under the bright lights of the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. This fight, promoted by Bob Arum, was on the undercard of a bout featuring Roberto Duran and Hector Macho Comacho, with none other than Sugar Ray Leonard commentating.

Stacy Prestage, a dedicated Kansan, transcended expectations in the world of boxing with unwavering determination and undeniable talent. Her journey in women’s boxing stands as a testament to perseverance and excellence.

Proudly representing her home state, Kansas, Stacy Prestage not only made her mark within the squared circle but also carried the spirit of Kansas wherever she fought.

Beyond Boxing: Stacy’s Personal Journey

Behind every athlete lies a mosaic of personal stories and choices. Stacy’s life outside the ring is just as fascinating as her professional journey.

A Softball Prodigy

Before boxing took center stage, Stacy was a star fast pitch softball player. She had the talent to secure a full scholarship to UCLA. Yet, her life took a different direction, hinting at a tale worth telling.

Life Outside the Ring

Away from the punches and jabs, Stacy served her country, enlisting in the US Army in 1987. Later, she dedicated 19 years of her life as a medical assistant. But her connection to boxing never waned. Today, she plays a pivotal role as an administrator and trainer for 15 boxers in Uganda.  On October 7, 2023, Stacy was inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame.

Media and Documentaries

Stacy’s impact on women’s boxing did not go unnoticed. Her story resonated beyond the confines of the ring, capturing the imagination of many.

BBC’s Take on Stacy

The significance of Stacy’s journey caught the attention of international media. She became a feature in a women’s boxing documentary produced by the BBC, cementing her legacy.