(MARCH 1) How many times do we have to read about a “History-First” in the sport, when pioneers and trailblazers fought the same kind of historical first before the claimant states they are the first?

In the world of boxing, "The Tale of the Tape" is supposed to be the undisputed gospel. But it seems that in the women’s division, it seems the "Tale of the Firsts" has become a competitive sport all on its own.

Take, for instance, a professional female boxer in the late 1990's claim that she was the "First Woman to Ever Step Foot in Utah to fight a professional boxing match” ----It was a bold claim, delivered with the kind of confidence usually reserved for a world title defense.

Across the way, a pioneer female boxer of the late 1970s, had to correct this young lady that she was not even born when the first pro female bout took place in Utah in the late 1970s----It’s a classic case of what we might call "Championship Amnesia": the belief that if it wasn’t captured in 4K and posted to an Instagram story, it simply never happened.

But it did not stop there! The same female pro boxer from Utah, then changed her claim to, “I was the first female boxer “from Utah” that fought in the state of Utah.”

We see it so often now….

If we keep narrowing the criteria to win a "First," I might as well claim my own throne. Step aside, legends: I am officially the First Female Boxer in History to Compete in Portland, Oregon, while sporting vibrant red hair and pigtails. I’m still waiting for my commemorative plaque to arrive in the mail.

"First Female Boxer in a History-First to fight in the state of Oregon with "red Pig Tails." (Sarcasm...chuckle)

While it’s wonderful that the spotlight is finally shining on the ring, let’s leave room for the women who built the stage. You don't need to be the "first" to be the "greatest." After all, the pioneers of the '70s and '80s didn't fight for the title of "First"—they fought for the right to be there at all.

Maybe the next great "First" in women's boxing could be the first time a promoter checks a history book before hitting "send" on a press release. Now that would be a knockout.

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