By Billie Sloane

Women’s boxing has been on a relentless journey, from near invisibility to a global force in combat sports. Today, with trailblazers like Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, Natasha Jonas, and Chantelle Cameron leading the charge, the sport is gaining recognition, headlines, and fan excitement. But the question remains: Is women’s boxing truly getting the respect it deserves, or are female fighters still fighting for relevance in a sport long dominated by men?

A History of Fighting For a Place

The history of women’s boxing is steeped in struggle, resilience, and grit. In the 18th century, Elizabeth Wilkinson was among the first documented female boxers, taking to the ring in London for bare-knuckle bouts, but by the late 19th century, bans against women’s boxing were widespread. The sport was deemed “unladylike” and unfit for women, pushing female fighters out of the ring for over a century.

It wasn’t until 1996 that the ban on women’s boxing was lifted in England, opening the door for female fighters to compete officially. Katie Taylor, who became one of the sport’s biggest stars, had to disguise herself as a boy in her youth just to get sparring sessions and fight opportunities. Her success and advocacy brought women’s boxing to the Olympics in 2012, where she won gold and inspired countless young women worldwide.

Fast-forward to 2022, and we’re seeing milestones like the first all-female card in London, headlined by Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall, and female fights topping major bills. Chantelle Cameron, Katie Taylor, and Claressa Shields are now undisputed champions in their divisions, a feat achieved by few men. But is this momentum enough? Or are female fighters still playing catch-up?

Pay Discrepancies: Justified or Outdated?

One of the biggest differences between men’s and women’s boxing is pay. Even top female fighters like Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields earn significantly less than their male counterparts. Taylor earned around £1 million for her fight against Amanda Serrano—a landmark bout that sold out Madison Square Garden—while top male fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Anthony Joshua routinely earn tens of millions.

Promoters argue that pay reflects viewership numbers and revenue generation, with Eddie Hearn stating in an IFL interview, “It’s about the numbers. Women’s boxing is getting there, but it’s not on par with the men just yet.” But with events like Taylor vs. Serrano drawing massive crowds, isn’t it time to re-evaluate this logic? If fans are tuning in, should pay be brought in line?

And it’s not just fight purses where there’s disparity. Sponsorship deals are also harder to come by for female fighters. Male boxers frequently land high-profile endorsements, while women, despite their skill and influence, often struggle for similar deals. Claressa Shields expressed her frustration, saying, “If we’re doing the same job, working just as hard, inspiring just as many, where’s the equity?”

Rounds and Time Limits: Fair or Limiting?

Another structural difference lies in fight formats. While men’s fights are usually 12 three-minute rounds, women’s fights are capped at 10 two-minute rounds. This outdated rule, based on assumptions about female endurance, limits women from showing their full capabilities in the ring.

Natasha Jonas said it best in an IFL interview: “I’m trained for the full 12 rounds, and I can handle three-minute rounds. The two-minute rounds don’t do justice to our skill and endurance.” The shorter format can also lead to fewer knockouts and more decisions, fuelling misconceptions that women’s fights are less intense. Would female fights gain even more fan engagement if they were structured like men’s?

Are these rules holding women back from truly showcasing what they can do, or are they outdated restrictions that should be reformed? And if female fighters want the same rounds as the men, what’s stopping the sport from granting it?

A New Era of Unified Female Champions

Interestingly, women’s boxing has seen a unique trend in recent years: more unified champions in the four-belt era than in men’s divisions. Fighters like Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, and now Chantelle Cameron have managed to claim all four major titles in their weight classes, a feat few male fighters achieve due to promotional agreements and the sheer competition in men’s divisions.

One reason for this trend may be the smaller pool of elite female boxers, which makes it easier for top fighters to unify titles and face one another. But is this indicative of strength or a shallow talent pool? As more young women enter the sport, will the divisions grow deep enough to mirror the intense competition seen in men’s boxing?

The rise of unified female champions demonstrates the incredible dedication and skill among top female fighters, with Taylor, Shields, and Cameron now paving the way. Are they setting a new standard for boxing? Or does this trend reveal that women’s divisions still need time to develop?

Why Are More Women Entering Boxing?

In the last decade, there’s been a significant increase in women choosing boxing as a career. But what’s driving this surge?

Role models like Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, and Nicola Adams have shown young women worldwide that a career in boxing is not only possible but also highly respected. Taylor’s Olympic gold and Shields’ double Olympic victory have made boxing an accessible and attractive option for aspiring athletes. Moreover, social media has allowed female boxers to connect directly with fans, growing their influence and following outside traditional media channels.

But there’s more to it than just visibility. Many women are drawn to boxing for its empowering qualities—the mental and physical strength it builds, the confidence it instils, and the camaraderie found in the gym. For some, boxing provides a sense of purpose and belonging, offering a powerful outlet in a world where opportunities for women in combat sports were once almost non-existent.

Still, as more women enter the sport, the question arises: Will boxing make room for this influx of talent? Are promoters and sponsors ready to fully back female fighters, or will they continue to face barriers when it comes to exposure and opportunities?

Opportunities and Visibility: Are Women Boxers Getting Enough?

The visibility of women’s boxing on major cards has certainly improved, yet there’s still room for growth. Unlike men’s fights, which enjoy heavy media coverage and promotional support, female bouts are often lower on the card, if they’re included at all. Some argue that all major boxing events should feature at least one female fight to elevate women’s boxing further.

Claressa Shields remarked in an IFL interview, “Put us on the big cards, let us show what we can do. Fans want to see fighters with heart, and we’ve got it.” Should female fights be mandatory on major cards to normalise women’s boxing, or does this risk tokenising female fighters?

And while Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields have headlined events, how often are other female fighters given the same platform? Should there be a stronger push to give more women main-event status, or are female fighters still seen as secondary to their male counterparts?

Are Women’s Fights Actually More Exciting?

A growing number of fans argue that women’s fights are sometimes more exciting than men’s. Without the massive paydays and fame enjoyed by male boxers, female fighters often bring an intensity and hunger that captivates viewers. Katie Taylor’s brutal clash with Delfine Persoon and Natasha Jonas’ fierce battle with Terri Harper showcased technical skill, raw emotion, and drama that rivalled any men’s bout.

Natasha Jonas summed it up: “We have something to prove every time we step in there. We’re not just fighting opponents; we’re fighting to show the world we belong.”

Could this added edge be why female fights are increasingly stealing the show? And if they’re bringing the same (or more) excitement as men’s bouts, shouldn’t they receive equal pay, visibility, and opportunities? Are fans ready to embrace the idea that women’s fights can offer just as much, if not more, than men’s?

What’s Next for Women’s Boxing?

While women’s boxing has undeniably come a long way, significant barriers remain. The fight for equal pay, longer rounds, sponsorship, and visibility continues. As women’s boxing draws more fans, will we see the sport finally grant female fighters the parity they deserve, or will these athletes still face outdated restrictions?

Female fighters like Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, Natasha Jonas, and Chantelle Cameron have proven they belong on the world stage. They’ve earned respect through grit, talent, and unmatched dedication. But perhaps it’s time for the industry—and fans—to step up and push for full equality, not just for current champions but for the generations of fighters to come.

What do you think? Should women’s boxing be given the same pay, visibility, and opportunities as men’s? Are we ready to fully embrace women’s boxing as equal to men’s, or will female fighters have to keep fighting both in and outside the ring?