The Evolution of Women's Boxing

In October 1993, women's boxing recorded its first victory. Acting on a lawsuit filed by Dallas Malloy, a 16-year-old female from Bellingham, Wash., USA Boxing officially lifted its ban on women’s boxing in October of 1993. The first women’s bout took place later that month as Malloy outpointed Heather Poyner in Lynnwood, Wash.

Females are now a large part of USA Boxing and can compete in sanctioned amateur competition within the United States and internationally. Currently, approximately 3,000 female boxers register with USA Boxing each year. Rules regarding women’s boxing are similar to the men’s program with a few minor differences including: the optional use of breast protectors and groin protectors, and a required waiver stating that the participant is not pregnant at the time of competition.

In 1997, USA Boxing hosted the first-ever Women’s National Championships in Augusta, Ga. Sixty-six women competed in this historical event. One year later, the second Women’s National Championships in Anaheim, Calif., drew over 100 boxers and featured the addition of a junior division to include females ages 15 and 16. The U.S. Championships has continued to grow each year since.  In July of 1998, the U.S. participated in their first-ever women's international dual in Scranton, Pa.. The U.S. defeated Canada 6-1. Since then, the US has fielded teams in each of the Women's World Championships, including 2001 (Scranton, USA), 2002 (Antalya, Turkey), 2005 (Podolsk, Russia), and in 2008 (Ningbo City, China). 

The popularity of women’s boxing has increased dramatically since its inception in 1993. Not only are the number of women members growing rapidly in the U.S., there is a dramatic increase in female boxing numbers around the world. The Swedish Amateur Boxing Association was the pioneer of women’s amateur boxing, sanctioning national female boxing events as early as 1988. Sweden along with Canada and the U.S. are considered to house the top female boxing programs in the world. There are currently more than 120 countries worldwide that have a recognized female boxing program.