From Gloves to Glory: Women Who Dominated the Ring

Women's boxing has transformed significantly over the years, moving from the shadows to the spotlight with Olympic recognition, Oscar worthy movies and global acclaim. The field of noteworthy female boxers is large - but who are the lady boxers who have staked a claim to being the very best?

Who Are Some of the Best Female Boxers of All Time? Criteria for Greatness

To determine the greatest female boxers, we consider championship wins, career records, and influence on the sport. Not only have these women set the standard in the ring, they have also paved the way for young women to follow.

The Legacy and Impact of These Women
These athletes have left an indelible mark on boxing. Their achievements have inspired countless young women to step into the ring and pursue their dreams. They've also done their part to attract new fans who have come to appreciate the skill and passion of women who step into the ring. Let's dive right into the stories of some of the most influential lady boxers.

Claressa Shields: An Unstoppable Force

Claressa Shields is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, taking gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Rio 2016 Olympics. Shields holds an undefeated professional record. She has won world titles in multiple weight classes, including junior middleweight, middleweight, and super middleweight. Known for her boxing skills rather than sheer power, Shields is set to challenge for the WBO light heavyweight and WBC heavyweight world titles in the near future, with her dominance and determination making her a formidable opponent.

Katie Taylor: The Irish Powerhouse

Katie Taylor is another Olympic gold medalist (at the 2012 London Olympics) who has made a seamless transition to professional boxing. With a record of 23-1, Taylor has become an undisputed champion in the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions, where her lightning-quick combinations and strategic prowess have set her apart from the competition. Her split decision win over Amanda Serrano in 2022 was a landmark moment in women's boxing history.

Amanda Serrano: The Versatile Champion

Amanda Serrano has achieved the extraordinary feat of winning world titles in seven weight classes. Known for her knockout power and technical skill, Serrano continues to be a significant figure in women's boxing. Her upcoming rematch with Katie Taylor is highly anticipated, promising another thrilling encounter between these two champions. The highly anticipated rematch between Taylor and Serrano is set to take place at a catchweight of 138 pounds, which is slightly below the typical 140-pound limit for the super lightweight division that Taylor was originally scheduled to defend.

Cecilia Braekhus: The First Lady of Boxing

Cecilia Braekhus was born in Cartagena, Colombia and later moved to Norway, where she became a professional boxer. She dominated the welterweight division for the period 2014 to 2020, becoming an undisputed champion with four belts. Her career, which began in Germany due to a ban on boxing in Norway, is a testament to her resilience and skill. Braekhus remains an active fighter, inspiring many with her longevity in the physically demanding world of professional boxing.

Holly Holm: From Boxing to MMA Stardom

Holly Holm is unique for her success in both boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). Holm dominated the boxing scene from 2002 to 2013, during which she made 18 world title defenses across three weight divisions before transitioning to MMA, where she also became a world champion. Holm’s current career in the UFC continues to showcase her versatility and enduring skill, solidifying her reputation as one of the most accomplished female athletes in combat sports.

Laila Ali: Living up to the Legend

Laila Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, carved out her own legacy with an undefeated record of 24-0. Her powerful punches and commanding presence in the ring made her a dominant figure in women's boxing. Ali's career highlights include victories over Valerie Mahfood and Christy Martin, and she played a crucial role in popularizing women's boxing.

Christy Martin: The Coal Miner's Daughter

Christy Martin was one of the early pioneers who brought attention to women's boxing. Martin was active in professional boxing from 1989 to 2012 and her fights on major undercards, including Mike Tyson's, helped propel the sport into the mainstream. Martin's career is marked by memorable fights and a compelling personal story, which continues to inspire many.

Ann Wolfe: The Knockout Queen

Ann Wolfe is renowned for her dominance in three weight divisions and her powerful knockout ability, particularly after she won multiple world titles starting in the early 2000s. Her first-round KO of Vonda Ward is legendary in women's boxing. After retiring, Wolfe became a trainer, mentoring the next generation of fighters and continuing to influence the sport.

Regina Halmich: European Boxing Pioneer

Regina Halmich was a trailblazer for women's boxing in Europe. During her career spanning from 1994 to 2007 she won world titles in three weight classes - Flyweight, Junior Flyweight and Super Flyweight. Her fights attracted large audiences in Germany, and she retired after an impressive 45 title defenses. Halmich's career helped pave the way for future female boxers in Europe.

Jackie Nava: La Princesa Azteca

Born in Mexico in 1980, Jackie Nava, known as "La Princesa Azteca," was a two-division world champion and a dominant force in the junior featherweight division between 2005 and 2015. During this period, she held the WBC female super bantamweight title twice and the WBA super bantamweight title. Her achievements have inspired many young athletes, and her legacy continues to influence women's boxing in the region.

The Future of Women's Boxing

The future of women's boxing and UFC looks promising, with emerging talents and future stars ready to take the stage, bolstered by increased media coverage and sponsorships that are crucial for promoting the UFC to millions of potential fans.

However, challenges remain, necessitating continued efforts to ensure equal opportunities and recognition for women in boxing. The achievements and legacy of boxing icons highlight the ongoing evolution of the sport, inspiring more women to step into the ring. As these athletes pave the way for future generations, women's boxing will continue to thrive and captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing its potential to transform lives and break through longstanding stereotypes.