Introduction

Women's boxing has come a long way, evolving from a marginalized sport to a mainstream spectacle. Today, women's boxing boasts an impressive roster of talented fighters who have shattered glass ceilings, inspired generations, and earned their place among the greatest boxers of all time. In this article, we pay tribute to the top 10 female boxers who have left an indelible mark on the sport, breaking records and barriers along the way.

1. Claressa Shields

Claressa Shields kicks off our list as a force to be reckoned with. Her two Olympic gold medals and unmatched achievement of holding all major world championships simultaneously on the professional stage make her the epitome of dominance. Shields combines power, speed, and skill, earning her the distinction of being the pound-for-pound best in the world. At a young age, she continues to impress, even venturing into MMA.

2. Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor, an Olympic gold medalist with a stellar amateur career, transitioned seamlessly into the professional arena. Her nine world titles across seven different weight classes set a world record. Taylor's lightning-fast punches and aggressive style make her a must-watch fighter. In her mid-thirties, she maintains her position as the best-ranked featherweight in the world.

3. Amanda Serrano

Amanda Serrano's decade-long career is a testament to her enduring excellence. Winning titles in seven different divisions, a world record, reflects her complete mastery of the sport. Serrano's impressive knockout record, with thirty of her forty wins coming by KO, showcases her power and skill. Her consistency keeps her among the top-ranked featherweights globally.

4. Lucia Rijker

Lucia Rijker was a trailblazer for women's boxing in an era when it faced little support. Known as "The Most Dangerous Woman in the World," Rijker was a knockout artist who went undefeated. Her success extended beyond boxing, as she excelled in kickboxing and later became a successful coach, mentoring fighters like Diana Prazak and UFC legend Ronda Rousey.

5. Ann Wolfe

Ann Wolfe, a legendary figure in women's boxing, competed in the light heavyweight division and won world titles in three different weight categories simultaneously. Her spectacular KO win over Vonda Ward is etched in boxing history. After retiring, Wolfe turned to coaching, guiding boxers like James Kirkland.

6. Laila Ali

Laila Ali, the daughter of the iconic Muhammad Ali, created her own lasting legacy in boxing. Fighting in super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, she remained undefeated and won world titles in both categories. Ali's formidable punching power led to twenty-one knockout wins out of twenty-four. Despite a relatively short career, she brought much-needed publicity to women's boxing.

7. Holly Holm

Holly Holm made history by becoming the first fighter to defeat Ronda Rousey in the UFC, winning the bantamweight world title. Before conquering MMA, Holm was a successful boxer, winning world championships in welterweight and light welterweight. She is the only fighter to hold belts in both boxing and the UFC simultaneously.

8. Christy Martin

Christy Martin's lengthy career spanned the '90s, marked by iconic fights that put women's boxing on the map. With forty-nine wins and just seven losses, Martin left an indelible mark on the sport. She even secured the WBC super welterweight title in her later years, earning her a place in the Nevada and International Halls of Fame.

9. Regina Halmich

Regina Halmich, a pioneer of women's boxing in Europe, dominated the flyweight division. With an astonishing twenty-nine successful title defenses, she retired with the IBF female flyweight title around her waist. Halmich's stellar record of fifty-four wins in fifty-six fights made her a global sensation, earning her recognition from Ring magazine.

10. Cecelia Braekhus

Cecelia Braekhus, often considered the greatest female welterweight fighter of all time, boasts a remarkable record. She held all four major world titles simultaneously and later extended that feat to five belts. Her impressive amateur career paralleled her professional success, with an undefeated streak of thirty-six fights.

Giselle Salandy, a rising star in the light-middleweight division, made history as the youngest fighter to win a world championship and competed for six belts for unification. Despite facing immense personal challenges, Salandy made a name for herself in the sport before her untimely passing in a car accident.

Conclusion

These ten remarkable women have not only left their mark on women's boxing but have elevated the sport to new heights. Their dedication, skill, and passion have inspired countless individuals and paved the way for future generations of female boxers. Their achievements break records, barriers, and stereotypes, showing that in the ring, gender knows no bounds. As women's boxing continues to evolve, these fighters remain iconic figures, proving that they are indeed among the best boxers of all time.