Beyond The Ropes: The Curious Case of Women’s Boxing

Beyond The Ropes: The Curious Case of Women’s Boxing

Women’s boxing has struggled somewhat in 2024. Momentum has stalled. The whispers of discontent amongst various inactive fighters have only grown louder with each passing month. There are exceptions, of course, but fight purses remain low. Incredibly low for some. Winning and defending a world title isn’t a gateway to untold riches. In truth, it is anything but.

There is talk of the major promoters losing interest in the female side of the sport. It might not be a major problem right now, an issue that signifies a race to the bottom and being back to where we once was. But it is a concern nonetheless. A difficult 2024, can’t turn into something more for 2025.

But amongst the dark, there has been plenty of light. A long, overdue female fight on Riyadh Season is a sign of some progress. The Saudi-backed shows have hampered the progress of women’s boxing this year. It would be greatly beneficial to their side of the sport if what Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman started, there is more to come. Nicolson is beyond ambitious. All she needs is the big fights. You sense one will come within the next year or so.

With some of the more established stars at the end of their careers, fighters like Caroline Dubois are so important to the future of their sport. Dubois has the potential to be that future.

But fresh talent is emerging. Hannah Robinson is two fights in. She has the look of a star of the future. Harli Whitwell has had no luck with injuries so far, but at 5-0, she is nevertheless developing into a big-time prospect. The unbeaten super-featherweight hopeful, literally could be anything. Shona Whitwell, the older sister of Harli, will put her Olympic woes to the back of her mind when she begins her professional journey in 2025. Gemma Richardson and Jade Pearce, two more talented amateurs, will also look to make their impacts in the pro ranks next year. The Olympic medallist Cindy Ngamba will be another exciting fighter to keep an eye on. Ngamba has an inspiring story. But she can fight to a very high level. The future is bright.

Hopefully, 2025 brings a little more activity for some of the fighters who sit at top table of their craft. Claressa Shields is a superstar. A phenomenal talent with a personality to match, we just need to see more of her. I have a feeling 2025, will be that year.

Ellie Scotney unified her division, but with only one fight in 2024, Scotney will hope for more in the next twelve months. As will Karriss Artingstall. Another fighter who after very productive 2023 has only been seen once this year. Artingstall has been forgotten by some. But she is far too good to be sitting on the sidelines for long.

Chantelle Cameron has made many changes in her career this year. A period of rebuild that is going well. Her two fights this year should be the launchpad for another assault on world titles and more in 2025.

The year hasn’t been a complete washout. A frustrating year for sure, but we have seen three very special fights in 2024.

In January, Natasha Jonas defended her IBF world welterweight title against Mikaela Mayer. A hometown gig for Jonas that lit up that fighting city. A brutal fight that could have gone either way. Jonas got the split decision. Mayer left the UK yet again feeling like the victim of a blatant robbery. But her moment would come.

In September, in New York, Mayer was a world champion once again. Sandy Ryan put her WBO welterweight bauble on the line, off the back of a highly impressive victory over Terri Harper, but she found an inspired Mayer who just wouldn’t be denied. The drama over the disgusting paint incident shouldn’t get in the way of what we saw inside that ring. A grudge fight that delivered in every way imaginable.

Katie Taylor defended her undisputed world super-lightweight titles against Amanda Serrano in a scintillating rematch this past weekend in front of 72,000 fans at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Taylor and Serrano gave everything and a little bit more. Another fight for the ages. Another fight where Taylor edged it on the cards. Serrano had more than a case for victory. But it was in truth, just too close to call.

All three fights could be in the running for the fight of the year. And another example of when they are given the stage, they deliver. The promoters who are apparently losing interest, should take note. Hopefully, 2025 is the year that in many ways, we see a little more.

Photo Credit: Top Rank/Boxxer/MVP