Women Boxing Their Way Through In Sports

Who would have thought only the boys wanted to step inside the ring and fight? Today, women boxing each other inside the ring are allowed – and these events are being televised worldwide.  Having quite a history before actually gaining the permission and approval of the community, boxing associations and government institutions - ringside fights that feature women boxing have progressed to achieve some loyal following. 

Both the men and women have appreciated the boxing events that feature women fighters.  These women’s boxing events are a product of the efforts of many who support and believed on the sport – and especially to the Father of Women’s Boxing – Bill Dickson.  He gained this title in a featured story by Boxing Illustrated in an October issue in 1980. 

The beginnings of women’s boxing can be roughly traced in the 1720s in London where various exhibition matches were held.  It was also in the 1970s when some states started to lift the bans for women’s boxing events.  There was then issuance of boxing licenses for women and the sanctioning of the bouts. 

The first female boxer to have her fight televised was Barbara Buttrick in 1954.  Other women’s boxing participants who were the first few to receive licenses were Caroline Svendsen in 1975 in Nevada, Pat Pineda in 1976 in California and Cathy Davis, Jackie Tonawanda & Martin Trimiar in 1978 in New York. 

In the year 1979 the original 4 rounds for women’s boxing bouts was increased. In 1987 Marian Trimiar staged a hunger strike, fighting for the rights of women boxing.  There was a case in a federal court against USA Boxing’s policy, which eventually went for the benefit of Dallas Malloy to be able to box.  In October of 1993, USA Boxing implemented new policies for women’s amateur boxing. 

All these, and many more events and efforts in the history of women boxing in the ring, have paved the way for what the sport is today – and how it has grown since then.  Perhaps, one of the most popular women’s boxing fights was that of Laila “She-Bee Stingin” Ali versus Jacqui Frazier.  The fathers of both were also archrivals during their times. Ali won the 8-rounder bout and was found to be entertaining by many. 

Women boxing inside the ring are considered to be normal in these days and times – and such bouts have been accepted by many.  Many of the women’s boxing bouts have proved to be exciting and entertaining – proving to the world that women definitely deserve a place in the boxing world.