On April 30, 2022, history will be made when Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor main event a card inside Madison Square Garden. The first time women will main event the main Garden, the matchup pits two of the top stars in the world in their prime. It is a matchup and moment that proves just how far we have come in women’s boxing.
Boxing has seen some top female stars give it their all in the ring. From multiple-time champions, record breakers, and history makers, women’s boxing has had its fair share of dominant athletes. Now, more than ever, all eyes are on female athletes, and women’s boxing is just heating up.
In honor of Women’s History Month, The Sporting News takes a look at some of the best female athletes to ever compete in a boxing ring.
Who is your favorite?
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10. Holly Holm
Starting off the list is former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm. “The Preacher’s Daughter” is the only fighter to hold a world-boxing and a UFC title, as she started her boxing career before her MMA one.
Holm made her boxing debut in 2002 and won the IBA light-welterweight title, as well as the WBA, WIBA, IFBA, IBA, GBU welterweight titles. With nine wins via knockout, Holm beat the likes of Anne Sophie Mathis, Diana Prazak, Christy Martin, Mia St. John, and Mary Jo Sanders. While MMA ended up being her current home, boxing holds a special place in Holm’s heart. There is no denying Holm’s trailblazing status, especially on this list.
9. Christy Martin
One of the most important figures in women’s boxing history, Christy Martin’s longevity and tough nature has cemented her status as one of the top fighters in boxing history. “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” made her pro debut in 1989 and would end up winning the WBC super-welterweight title in 2009. The first female to be inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Martin was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Martin, at one point, was working with Evan Holyfield, son of Evander, and makes her way to a few boxing fights now and then. There can be only one Christy Martin, and boxing is lucky to have someone like her.
8. Laila Ali
Next on the list is the daughter of Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali. Making her pro debut in 1999, Ali became the first woman to headline a pay-per-view event against Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, the daughter of Joe Frazier, in 2001.
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Ali is a former IBA, and IWBF, WBC, and WIBA super-middleweight champion, as well as an IWBF light-heavyweight champion. Being the daughter of a legend can result in a lot of pressure, but Ali managed to thrive under it. A TV personality now, one has to wonder how Ali would do against today’s crop of fighters.
7. Ann Wolfe
Owner of one of the greatest knockouts in boxing history, Ann Wolfe is as tough as they come. Making her debut in 1998, Wolfe is a former WBA-NABA super-middleweight champion, as well as an IBA light-heavyweight champion. In 2004 against Vonda Ward, Wolfe knocked her out with a devastating punch in the first round that is still talked about to this day.
Wolfe ended her career in 2006, but she continues to give back, training fighters like James Kirkland. She has also appeared in films like Wonder Woman. With 16 wins via knockout, there is no wonder the Hall of Famer is on this list.
6. Regina Halmich
Boxing fans in the U.S. may not be familiar with her, but Regina Halmich is considered one of the most influential boxers of all-time. The German fighter helped popularize the sport in Europe.
Halmich won the IBF flyweight title in 1995 and defended it a total of 29 times. She also won the IBF super-flyweight title and the IBF light-flyweight title. Outside of fighting, Halmich pursued modeling and owned her own cosmetics business. With sixteen wins via knockout, Halmich was someone who meant business, in and out of the ring.
5. Lucia Rijker
Considered “The Most Dangerous Woman in the World,” Lucia Rijker is a kickboxing and boxing champion. She is a former WIBF welterweight and WIBO junior welterweight champion, and is a member of both the International Women’s and International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Her dangerous striking ability allowed her to play a key role in Million Dollar Baby. Boxing fans didn’t get to see was her facing Christy Martin, but there is no denying the woman with 14 wins via knockout was someone who would be feared today.
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4. Cecelia Brakhus
Until recently, “The First Lady” was the gold standard when it came to title fights.
Cecilia Braekhus is one of only ten boxers in the history of the sport to hold all four major titles at the same time. After collecting more gold, she would end up defending her titles 25 times. The Norwegian would beat the likes of Jessica Balogun, Mia St. John, Ivana Habazin, Erica Farias, and Kali Reis.
Braekhus would finally taste defeat in 2019 against Jessica McCaskill, and then again in a rematch in 2021. As a dominant champion of her time, Braekhus was an otherworldly fighter.
3. Claressa Shields
Sometimes, it is hard for a fighter to back up their words with ease. For the “G.W.O.A.T.” Claressa Shields, that is not an issue for her.
Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has already become the undisputed middleweight champion, and has already taken over the light-middleweight division in only twelve fights. Facing the world’s top fighters, Shields has beaten the likes of Hanna Gabriels, Christina Hammer, Ivana Habazin, Marie-Eve Dicaire.
Not only has she been dominant in the ring, but outside of it Shields has become a big advocate for female fighters getting equal time and pay. She is also dipping her foot in MMA, proving she is up for any challenge. At only 27, Shields has not even reached her prime yet. The next few years could see her top this list.
2. Amanda Serrano
One of the most decorated boxers of all-time, male or female, Amanda Serrano is a seven-weight world champion. Making her pro debut in 2009, Serrano has moved up and down weight classes with great success. She is currently on a 28-fight win streak, her last loss being in 2012 against Frida Wallberg.
Since then, Serrano has beaten the likes of Eva Voraberger, Yazmin Rivas, Heather Hardy, Daniela Romina Bermudez, and Fatuma Zarika.
Not only is Serrano a talented boxer with 30 wins via knockout, she is also multi-talented. She competes in MMA bouts and has shown interest in pro wrestling. Serrano is one behind Manny Pacquiao for the record of title wins in different weight divisions. Her next date with destiny is against Katie Taylor inside Madison Square Garden, where history is on the line.
1. Katie Taylor
The undisputed lightweight champion of the world, Katie Taylor is highly regarded by many in boxing. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist made her debut in 2016 and has taken down a Murders’ Row of competitors. Taylor has beaten Jessica McCaskill, Victoria Bustos, Eva Wahlstrom, Rose Volante, Delfine Persoon, Natasha Jonas, and Jennifer Han. The two Persoon fights she competed in were extremely entertaining and opened the eyes of many to who she is.
In her amateur career, the Irish fighter has won five World Championships and six European Championship titles. Taylor has over 170 wins as an amateur, an incredible mark to go along with her undefeated pro record. A durable fighter, Taylor may just be reaching her peak, event at 35.
Teaming with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, Taylor has become a must-see performer not just in the U.K. but inside the United States. Her record and reign speaks for itself.
A fight against Amanda Serrano is coming up, and both fighters two are ready to show just exactly what they can do. Only one can walk out of MSG with bragging rights and gold.
Who will be called the victor?