Gabriela Fundora WBAN's 2025 Fighter of the year   Gabriela "Sweet Poison" Fundora, of Coachella, California, is WBAN's top pick for fighter of the year for 2025.  Throughout the yeas Fundora has demonstrated her exceptional in-ring performance. Her status was further cemented by being named our Women Boxing Archive Network's (WBAN) "Fighter of the Month" an extraordinary three times in a single year, a feat achieved by only two other female boxers since 1998. In 2025, Fundora successfully defended her undisputed flyweight world titles on two separate occasions, maintaining her undefeated record of 17-0-0 (9KO). The first defense was a seventh-round TKO victory over the previously unbeaten Marilyn Badillo on April 19, 2025. Her second defense came on September 20, 2025, with another seventh-round knockout of Alexas Kubicki. These victories showcased her impressive skill, determination, and ability to control the lower-weight classes for years to come, making her a defining figure for women's boxing.

Katie Taylor 2025 European Fighter of the year   Katie Taylor, of Bray, Ireland, now residing in Vernon, Connecticut, is  WBAN's 2025 top pick as our European Boxer of the Year.  Taylor has cemented her legendary status with another iconic trilogy-closer against Amanda Serrano in July 2025.  At 39 years old, she is still a dominant force against the new generation, while continuing to elevate women's boxing globally by headlining major cards like Madison Square Garden and inspiring millions with her humility, and unparalleled career.

Hottest Boxing Star in 2025 Alycia Baumgardner Alycia Baumgardner was definitively WBAN's top pick for "hottest" female boxing star in 2025 due to her dominant in-ring performance and significant out-of-ring marketability. As the current undisputed super featherweight champion, she boasts a professional record of 17 wins, 1 loss, and one No Contest, establishing herself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters globally. Her appeal is driven by explosive power and technical skill, highlighted by a notable win over Mikaela Mayer and a dominant performance against Leila Beaudoin in December 2025, a bout fought at her choice under 12-round, three-minute-per-round rules.

"Best-Kept Secret" in 2025
Ellie Scotney
Elif Nur Turhan
Caroline Dubois
 

Ellie Scotney, Elif Nur Turhan, and Caroline Dubois [photos in order from left to right] are among the elite in female boxing, with each having a highly decorated career in 2025 that moves them as the "best Kept secrets" in the sport. Scotney and Dubois are both highly ranked, unified, and full world champions in their respective divisions, while Turhan, an IBF champion, has a significant knockout record. Ellie Scotney is a unified super-bantamweight world champion with an undefeated 11-0-0 record. In 2025, she secured her IBF, WBO, and WBC titles in unification bouts against Mea Motu and after signing with Most Valuable Promotions, fought Yamileth Mercado defeating her on a high-profile Netflix card. She was named WBAN's February 2025 as our "Fighter of the Month".   Elif Nur Turhan is the undefeated IBF lightweight champion, known for her significant punching power and impressive 12-0-0 record with 8 knockouts. In 2025, she won the WBA interim super-featherweight title via TKO in August and then knocked out the previously unbeaten Beatriz Ferreira in December to claim her current IBF lightweight belt. Caroline Dubois, nicknamed "Sweet Caroline", is the full WBC lightweight world champion and a highly technical southpaw with a 12-0-1 record. After being elevated to full champion in December 2024, she successfully defended her title in a technical draw and a majority decision in early 2025.    Most Accomplished Heavyweight Female Boxer in 2025 Claressa Shields   Claressa "T-Rex"  Shields, of Flint, Michigan, is WBAN's Top  Pick as our top heavyweight boxer in 2025.  In a division that continues to grow with the influx of female boxers joining the ranks, Shields stand out in 2025. Shields, already a two-time Olympic gold medalist, she is the undisputed Heavyweight Champion, where she  defeated Danielle Perkins by unanimous decision to win the heavyweight title, becoming the first boxer ever (male or female) to hold undisputed world titles in three different weight divisions in the four-belt era (middleweight, super middleweight, and heavyweight). She also was awarded the ESPY Award In July 2025,  as she made history again as the first female ever to win the ESPY award for 'Best Boxer', beating out top male fighters.  She also successfully defended her undisputed heavyweight crown against Lani Daniels in July 2025, demonstrating her dominance in the division.

Top 2025 pick of Live Boxing All-Female Boxing Card - Netflix   The Taylor vs. Serrano trilogy, culminating in an all-female card on Netflix, marked a monumental shift for women's boxing by delivering unprecedented mainstream exposure, record-breaking financial success, and legitimizing female fighters as major draws, shattering historical barriers at sold-out Madison Square Garden and proving women could headline major events with massive viewership, not as novelty but as elite sport. This historic event wasn't just about the fights, but the entire presentation leading to the trilogy's all-female card on Netflix, featuring multiple world titles and high payouts, proving women's boxing could attract huge audiences and significant money.  The trilogy, especially the Netflix production, cemented Taylor and Serrano as global icons, setting a new standard for visibility and financial viability, making women's boxing a central, rather than peripheral, part of the sport's future. [It was streamed live on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women's sports event of 2025, drawing nearly 6 million global viewers. This event set a new gate record for a female sporting event at MSG, at $2.63 million. The event also featured 17 world championships contested, a record for a single boxing event.] Most Inspirational Boxer of 2025 Stephanie Han

Stephanie Han of El Paso, Texas is WBAN's Top pick as the most inspirational boxer of 2025.  She has a remarkable ability to juggle a demanding, undefeated professional boxing career with her essential work as an El Paso police officer and as a dedicated mother of two. Her journey is a testament to immense discipline, resilience, and passion, as she returned to the sport at 30 years old after a ten-year hiatus to pursue her dream of becoming a world champion. In February 2025, she achieved this goal by winning the vacant WBA lightweight title via first-round knockout and successfully defended it in August 2025, proving that with sacrifice and commitment, anything is possible. Han's inspirational status extends beyond her personal achievements; she leverages her platform to motivate others and was honored at the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame as a special award recipient in the category of  "Women Cops Who Box"  for her contributions in boxing and Law Enforcement.

Most Entertaining Boxer of 2025
Mizuki Hiruta

Mizuki Hiruta of Tokyo, Japan, is WBAN's top pick for the "Most Entertaining Boxer of the Year" for 2025.  Beyond her technical skills, Hiruta's entertaining persona and ring presence contribute significantly to her popularity and "most entertaining" status. Known as "Mimi", she stands out with vibrant pink hair and memorable, show-stopping ring walks, often in elaborate costumes like Sailor Moon, which has helped her build a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase.   2025 Rookies of the Year Tamm Thibeault Tiah May Ayton   In 2025, WBAN's top picks for "Rookie" of the year goes to Tamm Thibeault and Ayton. Tamm Thibeault of Quebec, Canada, after having a successful amateur boxing career, her seamless transition to professional boxing in 2024 and 2025 has been flawless. Thibeault has quickly amassed an undefeated record of 4 wins and 0 losses, with 3 wins coming by knockout as of September 2025. With less than one year as a pro she has demonstrated her ability to secure stoppages and dominate opponents.  Tiah Mai Ayton "The Star Girl", just 19 years old, from the United Kingdom, has only been fighting as a professional in 2025, with a undefeated record of  4-0-0 (4KO).   Ayton has come from a diverse athletic background that included amateur boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA.   Her  big-promotion backing from Matchroom, positions her as a potential future world champion and a major force in women's boxing.

Top Boxing Promoter(s) Most Valuable Promotions for Women's Boxing in 2025  Jake Paul - Nakisa Bidarian   In 2025, Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) solidified his status as a top women's boxing promoter by leveraging his massive social media reach to provide unprecedented platforms for female fighters, culminating in blockbuster, with high-profile female bouts featured on boxing cards on Netflix that drew massive audiences, significantly boosting fighter pay and visibility, with stars like Amanda "The Real Deal" Serrano earning record purses and attracting new talent like other top female fighters fundamentally changing the game for women in boxing.  MVP demonstrating that investing in women's boxing is commercially viable, attracting big names and providing opportunities for many of the top female boxers to headline major events.   Jake Paul and co-founder Nakisa Bidarian are building a new era where female boxers receive the recognition and financial rewards they deserve, making MVP the pinnacle for aspiring women fighters and accelerating the sport's growth beyond what traditional boxing promotion achieved. Hottest Trending "Topic" of the Year In 2025 Laila Ali vs. Claressa Shields    Laila Ali 24-0-0 (21KO) Claressa Shields 17-0-0 (3 KO) The topic of a potential boxing match between the undefeated legend trailblazer boxer Laila Ali and the current undisputed champion Claressa Shields was a major trending conversation throughout 2025 because it represented a hypothetical generational showdown driven by intense personal animosity and an unprecedented financial offer, despite the fight never actually being agreed upon.   Top 12 Fights of the Year 2025 Ellie Scotney vs.  Mea Motu Mizuki Hiruta vs. Maribel Ramirez Elif Nur Turhan vs. Beatriz Ferreira Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan II Cecilia Braekhus vs. Ema Kozin Gabriela Fundora vs. Alexas Kubicki Mikaela Mayer vs. Mary Spencer Lauren Price vs. Natasha Jonas Alycia Baumgardner vs. Leila Beaudoin Yokasta Valle vs. Marlen Esparza Tiara Brown vs. Skye Nicolson Camila Zamorano vs. Sana Hazuki Our Top "Welcome Back" Female Boxer of 2025 Holly Holm Holly Holm of New Mexico, WBAN's Top pick for 2025 as our "Welcome Back" Female Boxer of the year.  Holm returned to women's boxing in June of 2025 after a 12-year hiatus. At 43 years old, Holm took on Yolanda Ochoa, 30, from Sonora, Mexico, showcased the resilience and skill of the former champion. winning the bout.  More details

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Black Bear Pictures to Release Christy, a Biographical Drama on the Life of Boxer Christy Martin, in U.S. Theaters on November 7, 2025 October 17, 2025 (OCT 17)  LOS ANGELES -  CA— Black Bear Pictures has announced that its highly anticipated biographical film, Christy, will be released in the United States on November 7, 2025. Starring Sydney Sweeney, the 2025 American drama is based on the life of legendary female boxer Christy Martin. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 5, 2025, where it was met with critical attention. The narrative explores the extraordinary career of Martin, a pioneer in women's boxing, while also delving into the personal struggles she faced outside the ring.  Full Story The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame announces our 2026 IWBHF Inductees; Special Award Recipients and more! IWBHF Press Release October 18, 2025 (OCT 18) LAS VEGAS, NV — The International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) is announcing our 2026 elite class of IWBHF inductees and our special award recipients.  Our IWBHF 2026 event takes place Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada for the fifth year in Vegas,  includes legendary fighters who have paved the way for future generations, to dedication of others outside of the ring in their accomplishments in the sport.  Full Story Netflix Does It Again: Great Night for Men’s Boxing, with a highly successful night of boxing as they did with women's boxing last July! September 14, 2025 LAS VEGAS -September 14, 2025 -  Netflix has once again established itself as a formidable platform for the sport, bringing fans an electrifying night of men's boxing at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following the remarkable success of the all-female card last July,  With a lineup of closely matched bouts, star-studded attendance, and nail-biting finishes, this night proved to be a game-changer in 2025. Full Story USA vs. England:  Babyface Boxing Hosts Beautiful Brawlers 12: The Martha Salazar Invitational August 13, 2025 (AUG 13) On Sunday, August 31, 2025, Babyface Boxing in Pacifica, California, will be host to the Beautiful Brawlers 12: The Martha Salazar Invitational.  This boxing show will consist of junior, youth and elite amateur female boxers from USA and England, UK. 12 International bouts will take place on this all-female boxing show. There will be six additional bouts featuring Bay Area boxers, including one Pee Wee open bout.  Full Story The “Fairytale” Land of the Heavyweight Division in Women’s Boxing July 31, 2025 (JULY 31) Women’s boxing has made remarkable strides in recent years, gaining attention and respect that were once hard to come by. However, when it comes to the heavyweight division, a continuing trend seems to continue off and on throughout the sport of women's boxing.  The issue is pretty basic folks....the proper classification of the weights in women's boxing. What we see periodically throughout the years is that even world title belts are on the line for fights where the boxers are close to 30 shy of the weight class for the heavyweight division.  Full Story History First: Two Amateur female boxers at Tournament awarded the First-ever WBAN Mini belt for their performance by Sue TL Fox Photos by Wanda Countiss July 29, 2025 (JULY 29) On July 26, 2025, the National Harbor in Maryland hosted the “Boxing Showcase, DMV Elite.” Sponsored by Tanger Outlets in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and promoted by Darrell Davis. The tournament took place outdoors, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The event was sanctioned by USA Boxing and hosted by 2 Fly Boxing. Full Story A Huge “Shoutout” to Jake Paul of Most Valuable Promotions: Elevating Women’s Boxing July 8, 2025 (JULY 8) WBAN would like to give a huge “Shoutout” to Jake Paul of Most Valuable Promotions.  Paul is signing many of the Top Female Boxers in the sport and giving them the exposure that women’s boxing has been needing for so long---he is not just making headlines; he’s rewriting the narrative of a sport that has long been overshadowed.  Full Story Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm Returns to the Boxing Ring June 28th in Los Angeles! May 14, 2025 (MAY 14) After years of speculation fans of boxing are buzzing with about Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm returning to the ring!    The former multi-world champion, known for her striking skills and combat sports legacy, is set to fight Yolanda Guadalupe Vega on June 28th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.  Full Story Baby…We have come a long way! All-Female Card on July 11th at Madison Square Garden in New York! April 18, 2025 (APR 18)  On July 11, 2025, a fantastic event at Madison Square Garden in New York City will showcase the immense talent of female boxers. The card features all-female fight card, highlighting incredible matchups that promise to be entertaining.  Full Story A Celebration of Women in Boxing: WBC Women’s Summit and International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame April 10, 2025 LAS VEGAS, NV - [April 10, 2025] A unique celebration took place recently at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Over four days from April 2 to April 5th.  The spotlight was shone on women in boxing, as the WBC Women’s Summit and the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) held back-to-back events. These gatherings not only honored past and present champions but also brought together the community that drives...Full Story

WBC Women's Summit 2025 to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada - April 2-3, 2025 Source: WBC Press Release February 5, 2025 LAS VEGAS, NV -  WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman and the WBC Women’s Championship Committee announce the WBC’s Women's Summit taking place from April 2nd to 3rd, 2025 at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The fan interest in Boxing is rising. How does this affect our women athletes? What can we learn from each other and our experts to strengthen our sport and careers? Full Story The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame is made a Proclamation Day on April 5, 2025 by Mayor of the City of Las Vegas! February 27, 2025 LAS VEGAS, NV [February 27, 2025]  In an exciting announcement for boxing enthusiasts and advocates of women’s boxing, Mayor Shelley Berkley of the City of Las Vegas has proclaimed April 5, 2025, as "International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame Day." This proclamation marks a significant milestone for the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF), which will host its annual induction ceremony at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Full Story

WBAN is looking forward to seeing women's boxing continue to grow in popularity as we have seen in 2025---let's see  us "Rock" in the sport in 2026!   Sue TL Fox