From underground bouts to Olympic gold, women’s boxing has been shaped by bold pioneers, unforgettable matches, and history-making firsts. Each milestone has pushed the sport closer to mainstream recognition, breaking barriers and building a new path for the next generation. Here’s a timeline of key achievements and moments that have helped define women’s boxing.
1720s: Elizabeth Wilkinson Fights in London
Often considered the first known female boxer, Wilkinson participated in bare-knuckle matches and challenged male and female opponents alike—marking the earliest sign of women entering the boxing world.
1950s–1960s: Barbara Buttrick Goes Pro
A trailblazer from England, Barbara Buttrick becomes one of the first professional female boxers and later the first woman to have a fight broadcast on national radio in the U.S. She also becomes a world champion and advocate for the sport.
1975: Cathy Davis Is Licensed to Fight in New York
Cathy Davis becomes one of the first women officially licensed by the New York State Athletic Commission, increasing visibility for female boxers in the United States.
1993: First Women’s Bout Sanctioned by the AIBA
The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) officially sanctions women’s boxing at the amateur level for the first time, setting the stage for global competition.
1996: Christy Martin Fights on a Mike Tyson Undercard
Christy Martin vs. Deirdre Gogarty is televised nationally, helping catapult women’s boxing into the spotlight. Martin’s appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated represents a breakthrough in mainstream exposure.
1998: Jane Couch Wins Legal Battle to Fight Professionally in the UK
Jane Couch challenges the British Boxing Board of Control’s refusal to grant her a license, winning a landmark discrimination case and setting a legal precedent for women in the UK.
2001: Laila Ali vs. Jacqui Frazier-Lyde Headlines Pay-Per-View
The daughters of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier meet in the ring in a historic bout that becomes the first women’s boxing match to headline a PPV event.
2012: Women’s Boxing Debuts at the Olympics
At the London Olympics, women’s boxing is included for the first time. Great Britain’s Nicola Adams becomes the first woman to win Olympic gold in boxing. Claressa Shields also wins gold for the U.S. at age 17.
2017: Claressa Shields Wins First Women’s Championship Fight on Premium Cable
Shields becomes the first woman to headline a fight card on Showtime, defeating Szilvia Szabados for the NABF middleweight title and showing that women can carry top-level television broadcasts.
2022: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano Headlines Madison Square Garden
This historic bout marks the first women’s fight to headline MSG and is widely considered one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. Taylor wins a split decision in front of a packed arena and millions of viewers.
2022: All-Women’s Card Headlines O2 Arena in London
Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall headlines an all-female boxing card, the first of its kind at the O2 Arena, showcasing the growing popularity and respect for women’s boxing.
2023: Amanda Serrano Becomes Undisputed Featherweight Champion
In a tough battle against Erika Cruz, Serrano unifies all four major titles in the featherweight division—cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most dominant athletes.
Final Thoughts
Each of these milestones represents a powerful leap forward. From legal battles and media breakthroughs to Olympic recognition and sold-out arenas, women’s boxing has evolved into a global sport fueled by determination and resilience. These moments didn’t just shape history—they paved the way for even bigger things to come.
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