A History Of Women’s Boxing -Book Launch Party on June 25, 2014

“I’ve just read something that will change the way you think about women’s boxing. Malissa Smith’s “History of Women’s Boxing” won’t hit the stands for a few weeks but you should pre-order it, because when it does hit, it will sell out. If it doesn’t, I’ll peddle it door-to-door myself.” Michael Rivest, Troy Record, May 21, 2014.

(MAY 27) Brooklyn, NY— A History Of Women’s Boxing, the first comprehensive book to study the rich history of women’s participation in the sport is set to release on July 16, 2014. In anticipation of the of the release, join author Malissa Smith at a book launch party on June 25, 2014 at the world renowned Gleason’s Gym in DUMBO, Brooklyn from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Joining Malissa Smith will be such female boxing luminaries and champions as Alicia “Slick” Ashley, Jackie Atkins, Heather “The Heat” Hardy, Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis, Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells, and Kimberley Tomes.

A History Of Women’s Boxing traces the sport back from its beginnings in the 1700s, through the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and up to the present. Inside-the-ring action is brought to life through photographs, newspaper clippings, and anecdotes, as are the stories of the women who played important roles outside the ring, from spectators and judges to managers and trainers.

This book includes extensive profiles of the sport’s pioneers, including Hattie Stewart “The Female John L. Sullivan” who boxed women and men on stage in the 1880s; Barbara Buttrick whose plucky carnival shows launched her professional boxing career in the 1950s; Christy Martin whose 1996 fight against Deirdre Gogarty changed women’s boxing to a marquis sport; the famous “boxing daughters” Laila Ali and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde; and teenager Claressa Shields, the first American woman to win a boxing gold medal at the Olympics.

Rich in detail and exhaustively researched, this book illuminates the struggles, obstacles, and successes of the women who fought—and continue to fight—for respect in their sport. A History Of Women’s Boxing is a must-read for boxing fans, sports historians, and for those interested in the history of women in sports.

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website: http://ahistoryofwomensboxing.com and http://girlboxing.org