Female Fighters Deserve the Spotlight
Boxing has long been seen as a male-dominated sport, but women have been stepping into the ring, smashing stereotypes, and racking up championships for decades. And they’re not just participating — they’re dominating.
From Olympic medalists to undefeated pros, these trailblazing women have helped shape the future of boxing — with style, power, and grit. Whether you’re new to women’s boxing or just brushing up on your favorites, here’s your ringside guide to the legends, icons, and rising stars.
1. Laila Ali (USA)
Record: 24–0 (21 KOs)
Why she’s iconic: The daughter of Muhammad Ali, Laila carved her own path and retired undefeated. She held multiple world titles in super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
Biggest wins: Jacqui Frazier-Lyde (yep, Joe Frazier’s daughter — talk about legacy matchups)
Fun fact: After retiring, she became a successful TV host, author, and wellness advocate.
2. Claressa Shields (USA)
Record: 14–0 (2 KOs, as of 2025)
Nicknamed: “The GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time)
Why she’s iconic: Two-time Olympic gold medalist and the only boxer — male or female — to hold all four major world titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
Weight classes: Middleweight and light middleweight
Legacy: She’s already in the history books and still active, with a growing influence in MMA too.
3. Katie Taylor (Ireland)
Record: 23–1 (6 KOs, as of 2025)
Why she’s iconic: Olympic gold medalist and former undisputed lightweight world champion. She’s known for her incredible footwork, sharp combinations, and calm-under-pressure style.
Biggest moment: Her 2022 match vs. Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden — the first women’s boxing match to headline MSG and an instant classic.
Fun fact: She helped get women’s boxing into the Olympics in 2012.
4. Amanda Serrano (Puerto Rico)
Record: 46–2–1 (30 KOs, as of 2025)
Weight classes: Seven (yes, SEVEN)
Why she’s iconic: She’s the only female boxer to win world titles in more than four weight classes, and she holds the record for the most titles in different divisions.
Known for: Knockout power, relentless pace, and her crossover into MMA
5. Christy Martin (USA)
Record: 49–7–3 (31 KOs)
Why she’s iconic: Known as "The Coal Miner's Daughter," Christy brought women’s boxing into the mainstream in the 1990s, becoming the first female boxer on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Biggest win: Her 1996 fight vs. Deirdre Gogarty — a brutal, bloody match that made headlines and broke barriers.
Legacy: A pioneer who opened the door for so many others.
6. Cecilia Brækhus (Norway)
Record: 37–2 (9 KOs)
Nickname: “The First Lady”
Why she’s iconic: She became the first woman to hold all four major welterweight titles simultaneously and successfully defended them 25 times.
Legacy: One of the most dominant champions in boxing history — male or female.
7. Lucia Rijker (Netherlands)
Record: 17–0 (14 KOs)
Nickname: “The Most Dangerous Woman in the World”
Why she’s iconic: A powerhouse in both boxing and kickboxing, Rijker never lost a pro boxing match. Her technical skill and knockout power made her a fan favorite.
Fun fact: She played a role in Million Dollar Baby and helped train Hilary Swank for the film.
8. Regina Halmich (Germany)
Record: 54–1–1 (16 KOs)
Why she’s iconic: One of Europe’s most famous fighters, Regina helped make women's boxing popular in Germany. She defended her world title 44 times.
Fun fact: She once fought (and beat) a male TV host in an exhibition match that drew major attention.
9. Ann Wolfe (USA)
Record: 24–1 (16 KOs)
Why she’s iconic: A fearsome puncher known for her raw power and no-nonsense style. Her knockout of Vonda Ward is still considered one of the most brutal in boxing history.
Legacy: She went on to become a respected trainer, including for male pro fighters.
10. Seniesa Estrada (USA)
Record: 25–0 (9 KOs, as of 2025)
Why she’s iconic: A current rising star who’s already a two-division world champion with lightning-fast hands and incredible ring IQ.
Biggest flex: Holds the record for the fastest knockout in women's boxing history — 7 seconds!
11. Natasha Jonas (UK)
Record: 15–2–1 (10 KOs, as of 2025)
Why she’s rising: Former Olympian who became a multiple-time world champ later in her career. Known for her grit and power punching.
Fun fact: A fan favorite in the UK, especially among young women entering the sport.
12. Mariana “Barby” Juárez (Mexico)
Record: 55–13–4 (19 KOs)
Why she’s iconic: A legend in Mexico and former WBC world champion. Known for her aggressive style, heart, and over 70 pro fights — a true warrior.
Legacy: She helped grow the popularity of women’s boxing in Latin America.
Honorable Mentions
There are so many more who’ve contributed to the sport in meaningful ways:
-
Heather Hardy (USA) – Known for her crossover into MMA and boxing toughness
-
Jessica McCaskill (USA) – Unified welterweight champ who defeated Brækhus
-
Franchón Crews-Dezurn (USA) – Former undisputed super middleweight champ
-
Ramla Ali (UK/Somalia) – First Somali woman to compete in boxing at the Olympics and a role model in and out of the ring
How Women’s Boxing Has Evolved
Female boxing has come a long way — from being banned in many places to now headlining arenas, Olympic stages, and global pay-per-view events.
Today’s top fighters have:
-
More title opportunities across weight classes
-
Bigger purses and brand sponsorships
-
More visibility thanks to social media and streaming platforms
-
A growing fan base that spans genders and generations
Final Thoughts
The world of women’s boxing is full of powerhouse athletes — not just strong physically, but mentally, emotionally, and culturally. These famous female boxers have each helped redefine what it means to be a fighter, inspiring countless women and girls to step into the ring and own their power.
Ready to feel strong, confident, and unstoppable in your own training? Check out KO Studio — a female-led brand designed for women who train hard, fight harder, and look good doing it. From wraps to activewear, KO’s got your back in and out of the ring.
