By Gav Duthie: Women’s boxing has never been more popular. Whether your into it or not there is likely to be a female contest on most undercards around the world every weekend. American Clarissa Shields will even headline her own bill in Detroit next month after only 3 fights previously. The sport is on the up and a lot of this success can be attributed to the London Olympic games in 2012 for raising its profile. This was the first year that competitive female boxing appeared in the Olympics surprisingly as there was a demonstration women’s bout at the 1904 Olympics. There were only 3 categories in the competition and all have turned professional with big things expected.
Middleweight
Claressa Shields
3-0(1) pro record
Claressa has lost one boxing match in her entire life against 78 amateur wins and 3 as a professional. However that solitary loss against Savannah Marshall almost cost her the chance to compete at London 2012 but she sneaked through. Used to sparring in a Detroit gym full of men Claressa dominated her opponents on route to Gold. She repeated the success in 2016 before turning professional. She fights for a world title on August 4th against Nikki Adler 16-0 (9) in Detroit. Both the WBC and IBF titles are on the line.
Lightweight
Katie Taylor
5-0 (3) pro record
Of the 3 2012 Gold medalists she is the only not to repeat the success in 2016. Professional boxing came at the right time for Taylor as she admitted she was struggling to get motivated as an amateur anymore. She was a 6 time gold European Amateur champion and 6 time world champion. She has started very well as a pro racking up 5 wins since she signed with Eddie Hearns matchroom boxing. Taylor will make her Anerican debut at the end of this month.
Flyweight
Nicola Adams
2-0 (1) pro record
In winning the 2016 Olympic Gold she was the first Brit in 92 years to defend the title. Adams split the camps by signing with veteran promoter Frank Warren who had previously admitted to have no interest in women’s boxing. Nicola has a high work rate and great footwork but at 34 years of age she will need to be quick in her pro career. The main girl at her weight is Mexican Jessica Chavez. As a former Sports personality of the year nominee it wouldn’t be surprising if she headlines her own show soon.
The Future of women’s boxing
It is important to note that these women are fighting not just for themselves but for the sport. Whether they see it or feel it they are role models to any young girl who wishes to step into a gym and lace up the gloves. Women’s boxing can genuinely be a good career for aspiring young athletes it never was before. The first female on the Ring magazine front cover wasn’t even a boxer Ronda Rousey, one of boxing’s best Holly Holm felt she needed to step into MMA to get recognition. With these gold medalists this can change. Shields is young, Taylor is 30 and Adams is 34. Perhaps it is a bit late for Adams especially to have a long career but she is a pioneer that started with the 2012 Olympics. Not since Laila Ali has there been such a spotlight on women’s boxing. Can they sell out arena’s, can they fight on PPV, can they inspire a future generation of female athletes. Now is the time to find out.