(FEB 5) For Black History Month we want to
either introduce you to or re-introduce you to some black female trailblazer’s
in the sport of boxing.
All three of these women will be in attendance at this year’s 2026 International
Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF):
Ronica Jeffrey began as an
amateur boxer in 2005 and compiled a 23-4 win-loss record until
2007.
She turned pro in 2008 and retired in 2019. Over the course of
her career she became the International Women's Boxing
Federation World Super Featherweight champion. Her professional
boxing record is 17-1-1.
In October 2026 she will be inducted into the IWBHF.
Melvina Lathan was a long-time member of the IBF, WBO, WBC and
IBO, and during her career as a boxing judge, worked more than
235 fight cards (883+ bouts).
She became the first African American Female licensed by the
State of New York, and would later become the first female to
ever head the State’s Athletic Commission.
In October 2026 she will be inducted into the IWBHF.
Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali.
She was inducted into the IWBHF in 2015 for her career as a
professional boxer and she will be the keynote speaker for this
year’s 2026 event.
She was a professional boxer from 1999-2007. During her career,
from which she retired undefeated, she held the WBC, WIBA, IWBF
and IBA female super middleweight titles, and the IWBF light
heavyweight title.
She had an 87.5 knockout percentage and was nicknamed “She Bee
Stingin’.”
Read More about these women
& the IWBHF
