By Billie Sloane, IFL TV

Let’s pull no punches—women’s boxing has exploded over the past decade. From Katie Taylor’s historic rise to Claressa Shields’ undeniable dominance, female fighters are finally getting their due. But here’s the glaring omission: where are the women coaching these champions? For all the progress inside the ring, it seems the coaching corner remains stuck in the past. Female coaches are still rarer than a fair scorecard in a hometown decision, and it begs the question—why?

The State of Play: Breaking Down the Numbers

We’re living in a time when women’s boxing is headlining arenas and drawing pay-per-view numbers that rival the men’s. Yet, the sight of a female trainer in the corner is still treated as a novelty. Compare this to other sports like football and MMA, where female coaches, while not the majority, are at least becoming more visible.

So why hasn’t boxing followed suit? Is it outdated traditions? A lack of opportunity? Or is the sport simply not doing enough to support women looking to transition from fighter to coach?

The Case for More Female Coaches

Let’s start with the obvious: representation matters. Female coaches bring a perspective to the sport that male counterparts simply can’t replicate. They know firsthand the physical and mental toll of being a woman in a male-dominated sport. For young female fighters, having a coach who’s walked the same path can make all the difference.

Take Jessica McCaskill, who’s made waves with her aggressive style and world titles in multiple weight classes. Imagine the insight a female coach could bring to her corner—not just technical know-how, but understanding the unique challenges of making weight, handling media scrutiny, and balancing a professional career with personal life.

And it’s not just about female fighters. A coach’s skill isn’t tied to their gender; it’s about their ability to teach, strategize, and motivate. If male coaches can successfully train female fighters, why shouldn’t a female coach guide a male world champion?

Ben Shalom, the CEO of Boxxer, hit the nail on the head in a recent IFL TV interview: “Boxing thrives on diversity. If we’re going to grow the sport, we need to open more doors—not close them.” And that includes creating spaces for women in every part of the game, not just inside the ropes.

The Barriers Still in Place

Of course, it’s not as simple as “more women should coach.” There are structural and cultural barriers that need dismantling. Let’s face it: boxing is steeped in tradition, and not all of it is good. The image of the grizzled male trainer barking orders from the corner is so ingrained in the sport’s DNA that it leaves little room for change.

How many gym owners are actively recruiting female trainers? How many are creating mentorship opportunities for women to transition from fighter to coach? The answer, unfortunately, is not enough.

Then there’s the question of respect. Even in 2025, women in boxing still have to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously. If a male trainer makes a tactical error, it’s chalked up to a bad night. If a female coach does the same, it becomes a referendum on her gender. How many women are willing to deal with that kind of pressure?

And let’s not ignore the financial side. Coaching isn’t exactly a goldmine, especially at the grassroots level. For women trying to break into the sport, the financial risks can be daunting—especially if they’re not guaranteed the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

Real-Life Examples: Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling

But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are trailblazers proving that women can not only coach but excel at the highest levels. Take Ann Wolfe, one of the most feared fighters of her generation. After hanging up her gloves, she transitioned into coaching and famously trained James Kirkland—a male fighter—with a ferocity that matched her own in-ring style.

Or consider Lupi Gutierrez Beagle, who has trained multiple champions and is a staunch advocate for women in boxing. She’s proof that when given the opportunity, female coaches can thrive in this sport.

So why aren’t there more like them? Is it a lack of role models, or are systemic issues keeping the doors closed?

Should Boxing Do More?

Here’s the million-dollar question: is it the sport’s responsibility to help female coaches break through, or is it up to the women themselves to carve out their space?

On one hand, boxing promotions and governing bodies could do a lot more. Initiatives to recruit and train female coaches, funding mentorship programs, and challenging traditional gender biases could all go a long way in leveling the playing field.

But on the other hand, it’s a tough business. No one hands out opportunities in boxing; you have to fight for them—literally and figuratively. Should women be expected to blaze their own trail, or does the sport owe them a helping hand?

Is Amateur Boxing the Key?

Perhaps the solution lies at the grassroots level. Amateur boxing is where most fighters get their start, and it’s where the next generation of coaches is born. Should amateur gyms and organizations focus more on nurturing female talent—not just in the ring but on the sidelines?

Imagine a world where every amateur gym had at least one female coach on staff. The impact on young fighters—both male and female—could be enormous. It would normalize the idea of women in leadership roles and create a pipeline of talent for the professional ranks.

The truth is, boxing has made incredible strides when it comes to diversity in the ring. But until those changes extend to the corners, to the gyms, and to the coaching ranks, the sport will never reach its full potential.

It’s time to stop asking if women belong in boxing and start asking how we can make sure they thrive—both as fighters and as the minds guiding the next generation. Because at the end of the day, boxing isn’t about gender—it’s about grit, heart, and the drive to win. And if that’s not enough to earn a spot in the corner, then what is?

What do you think should be done to get more female coaches in boxing? Comment below!

Billie Sloane takes a ‘no holes barred’ approach as he has his say on some of the major talking points in the crazy world that is boxing.