Women's boxing has come a long
way in the last few decades, overcoming restrictive legislation
to become one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Irish star
Katie Taylor's super fight against Amanda Serrano in 2022,
headlining Madison Square Garden, exemplified the sport's growth
and popularity. Taylor emerged victorious, retaining her
undisputed lightweight title in what was hailed as the biggest
women's boxing fight ever..
Laila Ali vs. Jacqui Frazier-Lyde (2001)
In 1975, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier's legendary rivalry
culminated in the 'Thrilla in Manila,' with Ali emerging
victorious, retaining his WBA and WBC world heavyweight titles.
Unbeknownst to them, 27 years later, their daughters, Laila Ali
and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, recreated the epic rivalry. Dubbed
"Ali-Frazier IV," their historic bout became the first
pay-per-view event headlined by female boxers, making a major
impact on women's boxing. With both fighters undefeated, the
eight-round match was thrilling, with powerful blows exchanged
and staggering moments. Their determination and courage were
evident as they stood strong throughout. Laila Ali secured a
majority decision victory (79-73, 77-75, 76-76). She later
retired undefeated with 24-0 and multiple world titles, leaving
an extraordinary legacy in the sport.
Cecilia Braekhus vs Ivana Habazin (2014)
Norwegian Cecilia Braekhus turned pro in 2007 after a successful
amateur career. She quickly rose to fame, winning the vacant WBA
and WBC welterweight titles in her eleventh fight and adding the
vacant WBO belt three bouts later in 2010.
Ivana Habazin of Croatia faced initial disappointment in her
quest for a world title but redeemed herself in 2014, claiming
the IBF strap with a split decision win.
Their paths crossed in 2014 for the undisputed welterweight
championship, a historic moment for female boxing. However, the
fight highlighted Braekhus's dominance and the limited depth in
the women's division. Braekhus won via unanimous decision.
Braekhus held the undisputed title for an impressive six years
until her defeat to Jessica McCaskill in 2020. Meanwhile,
Habazin achieved success by winning the IBO middleweight belt in
2018, avenging her previous loss.
Claressa Shields vs. Christine Hammer (2019)
Claressa Shields stood out in women's boxing since the 2012
Olympics, won gold medals in London and Rio before turning pro
with an impressive 77-1 amateur record. Her sole loss was
against Savannah Marshall.
Her professional debut saw a unanimous decision win over
Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who later secured two world titles,
highlighting the division's talent.
Within four fights, Shields claimed the WBC and IBF super
middleweight titles from Nikki Adler. She amassed five world
titles in two weight divisions in just two years, an outstanding
achievement in eight fights.
Her 2019 clash with Christina Hammer represented a legacy fight,
pitting the old guard against the new Olympic wave. Shields
defended her WBA, WBC, and IBF middleweight titles, and Hammer
risked her WBO belt. The historic battle ended in Shields'
unanimous decision victory (98-92, 98-92, 98-91), marking
Hammer's first and only career loss. Check out the Betway
website for updated boxing matches throughout the year.
Katie Taylor vs Delfine Persoon (2019)
Irish boxer Katie Taylor won Olympic gold in 2012 and turned pro
after a disappointing 2016. She quickly became a female boxing
trailblazer, claiming WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight titles by
her thirteenth fight.
Delfine Persoon, a tough Belgian fighter with an impressive 43-1
record, stood in her way. Their clash of styles made their bout
a highly anticipated super fight. They fought on the undercard
of Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden.
Their match lived up to the hype, as both fighters engaged in an
all-out war, thrilling fans. The judges controversially awarded
the fight to Taylor, sparking debates.
The rematch followed a year later, continuing their intense
rivalry and putting women's boxing in the spotlight.
There have been some remarkable female bouts, and more will come
before the turn of the year. They present great opportunities
for Betway boxing betting fans to wager ahead of all upcoming
fights, courtesy of the various available markets.