Boxing has transformed in countless ways over the centuries—faster fights, better equipment, and a level of intensity unlike ever before. But beyond the technical advancements, one of the biggest shifts has been in women’s boxing.
Once dismissed as a novelty (imagine women using their bodies for something other than childbearing—shocking!), female fighters have fought their way into the spotlight, proving time and time again that they belong in the ring. Yet, despite their skill, women’s boxing still doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves.
So, let’s take a journey—from the first female champion to a more recent legend. Prepare to be inspired, because these women didn’t just fight their opponents—they fought for their place in history.
Elizabeth Wilkinson: The First Female Boxing Champion
What do you do when your husband—a notorious criminal and champion boxer—is executed? If you’re Elizabeth Wilkinson, you step into the ring and take his place.
At least, that’s how the story goes. Unfortunately, there’s little recorded history on Wilkinson, despite her being the first known female professional boxer. Upsetting? Yes. Surprising? Not really.
Born in London in the early 1700s, Wilkinson made her boxing debut around the time of her second marriage to James Stokes, a boxing promoter who owned an amphitheater. But Wilkinson wasn’t just another name in the crowd—she was a fighter with a reputation.
Her most famous match was against Hannah Hyfield, a woman she had a personal feud with. Instead of settling their differences in private, Wilkinson made things official: a fight in the ring, no scratching allowed—a rule enforced by fighters holding half a crown in each hand (imagine boxing while gripping a credit card!).
Wilkinson’s second match lasted 22 minutes, and she walked away victorious. From there, she became a regular at James Figg’s boxing rings, gaining a level of fame that surpassed many male boxers of her time (are we even surprised?).
Breaking Barriers, One Punch at a Time
Aside from her skill, Wilkinson was known for two things:
✔ Her iconic trash talk – She was a master of pre-fight banter (we love a woman with wit).
✔ Her full-body attire – Unlike female fighters of the time (many of whom were prostitutes fighting topless for entertainment), Wilkinson fought in a jacket, petticoat, drawers, stockings, and shoes.
Wilkinson even fought in tag-team matches with her husband, taking on both male and female opponents. But let’s be real—she was the real draw.
Elizabeth Wilkinson didn’t just pave the way for women’s boxing—she punched through the barriers of her time.
Laila Ali: Carrying the Legacy & Making Her Own
Fast forward a few centuries, and we meet Laila Ali, an undefeated boxing champion who dominated the sport from 1999 to 2007. She held super middleweight and light heavyweight titles, proving herself as one of the best to ever step into the ring.
Yet, like Wilkinson, Ali had to fight for recognition—not just as a woman in boxing, but as the daughter of Muhammad Ali (need I say more?).
Before stepping into the ring, Ali was already a businesswoman, owning and operating her own nail salon (because why not be great at everything?). But once she found boxing, there was no turning back.
Her first fight happened to take place on the same night as the first-ever male vs. female boxing match, drawing major attention and press. She went on to face several notable opponents, finishing her career with an undefeated record.
Yet, despite her dominance, critics often downplayed her achievements, attributing her success to her father’s legendary name.
Fighting for Their Place in History
While Ali and Wilkinson lived in completely different eras, their struggles were strikingly similar.
✔ They had to prove themselves in a male-dominated sport.
✔ They faced judgment and unfair comparisons—one to her husband, the other to her father.
✔ They fought their way out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Both women refused to let society define them. They didn’t just talk about breaking barriers—they shattered them with every punch they threw.
Their stories prove one thing: sometimes, the best way to prove them wrong is to show up, show out, and let your fists do the talking.
So, if you needed a sign to step into the ring, take up space, and own your power—this is it. Now go kick some ass. 🥊
