Women boxers are a relatively new sport, only officially sanctioned by the International Boxing Association in 1997. However, it has gained significant popularity in recent years, with more and more women taking up the sport and competing at the highest levels. Women’s boxing is contested in three weight classes, with the lightweight division being the most popular. Women’s boxers must possess physical and mental strength and agility to compete successfully. They must also be highly disciplined, following strict training and nutrition regimens to stay in peak physical condition. Women’s boxing has become one of the most exciting and popular sports in the world, with women boxers from all over the globe competing for titles and glory.
Definition of Professional women boxers
Professional women boxers are female athletes who compete in boxing at a professional level. Professional women boxers compete in all boxing weight classes, with the highest competition in the heavyweight category. Professional female boxers fight in sanctioned bouts and are typically ranked in various boxing organizations based on their record, performance, and other criteria. Professional female boxers often receive purses for their fights; some even become champions in their weight classes.
A Brief History of Professional women boxers
Professional women boxers have been around since the late 19th century. The first recorded female bout was in London in 1876, with the first professional bout occurring six years later in 1882. The sport gained popularity in the early 20th century and was featured in the 1908 Olympics. Female boxers competed in the Olympics until the 1960s, when the sport was discontinued.
In the 1970s, professional women’s boxing began to pick up again, and the first women’s championship was held in 1974. In the 1980s, women’s boxing began to be recognized as a professional sport, and the first world championships were held in 1986.
Today, professional women boxers compete at the amateur, semi-professional and professional levels in numerous organizations, including the International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) and the Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF). Professional women boxers can compete for world titles in significant boxing organizations, including the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), and International Boxing Federation (IBF).
The sport has continued to grow in popularity over the past few decades, and the number of female boxers continues to increase yearly. Professional women boxers now compete in all divisions, from flyweight to heavyweight. The sport is gaining more mainstream recognition and respect.
Benefits of Professional Boxing for women boxers
1. Improved Fitness: Professional boxing is an excellent way for women to improve their physical Fitness. Boxing is a full-body workout that helps build strength, endurance, and flexibility and increases cardiovascular health.
2. Increased Self-Confidence: Professional boxing can help women increase their self-confidence by teaching them to be more assertive, courageous, and confident in the ring. Through the discipline and resilience of boxing, women can learn to be more self-assured and comfortable in their skin.
3. Stress Relief: Professional boxing helps women combat stress and anxiety. The physical and mental demands of boxing provide a great way to escape from the stressors of everyday life.
4. Improved Concentration: Boxing requires focus, concentration, and intense mental discipline. Professional boxing helps women sharpen their mental understanding and improve their ability to focus on tasks.
5. Improved Self-Defense: Professional boxing gives women the skills and confidence to protect themselves if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation.
6. Improved Social Life: Professional boxing can help women develop better relationships with others. Boxing allows women to interact with others healthily and positively, which can lead to better social connections.
7. Improved Mental Health: Professional boxing can help women improve their mental health. The physical and psychological discipline of boxing can help women become more resilient to stress and anxiety and improve their mood and outlook.
8. Increased Opportunities: Professional boxing can allow women to pursue a career in the sport. Women can compete professionally and earn money from their boxing careers.
9. Improved Self-Discipline: Professional boxing requires hard work and dedication. Staying focused and disciplined in the ring can help women develop self-discipline and perseverance in other areas.
10. Increased Self-Esteem: Professional boxing can help women build their self-esteem by teaching them to be proud of their accomplishments and to have pride in their abilities.
Examples and Notable Women Boxers
1. Claressa Shields – www.claressashields.com
2. Katie Taylor – www.katietaylorboxing.com
3. Amanda Serrano – www.amandaserrano.com
4. Marlen Esparza – www.marlenesparza.com
5. Heather Hardy – www.heatherhardy.com
6. Delfine Persoon – www.delfinepersoon.be
7. Christina Hammer – www.christinahammerboxing.com
8. Ava Knight – www.avaknightboxing.com
9. Layla McCarter – www.laylamccarter.com
10. Cecilia Braekhus – www.ceciliabraekhus.com
Safety Concerns for women boxers
The safety of women boxers is of utmost concern for many boxing organizations. Women boxers are encouraged to take extra precautions, such as wearing headgear and mouth guards, to reduce the risk of head trauma and other serious injuries. Additionally, boxing organizations have taken steps to ensure that female boxers are not subject to gender discrimination in the sport. It includes the implementation of gender-specific rules and regulations, as well as the provision of equal opportunities and rewards for women boxers.
It is also essential that women boxers are provided with proper medical care and access to training facilities that meet their needs. Additionally, boxing organizations should ensure that women boxers have access to psychological support services to address any mental health issues arising from the sport. Finally, boxing organizations should promote gender equality and encourage more female boxers to enter the sport.
Examples of worldwide top 10 women boxers training centres
1. Gleason’s Gym – https://gleasons.com/
2. Mendez Boxing – https://mendezboxing.com/
3. CEM Boxing – https://cemboxing.com/
4. Wild Card Boxing Club – https://www.wildcardboxingclub.com/
5. The Ring Boxing Club – https://theringboxingclub.com/
6. The Watford Boxing Academy – http://watfordboxingacademy.com/
7. The Boxing Club San Diego – https://www.theboxingclub.com/
8. Title Boxing Club – https://titleboxingclub.com/
9. The L.A. Boxing Gym – https://laboxinggym.com/
10. 9Round Fitness – https://www.9round.com/
Conclusion
Women boxers have come a long way in the past few decades. They have fought hard to prove themselves in boxing and have made significant strides in the sport. Although there is still a long way to go before women boxers have the same recognition and respect as their male counterparts, the progress made so far is encouraging. Women boxers are proving that they have the same skill, determination, and courage as their male counterparts and that they have an essential role to play in the sport.
