(AUG 17) In the world of women’s boxing, it’s not uncommon to hear current fighters drawing comparisons between themselves and the legends of yesteryear. When WBAN hears current boxers comparing themselves to past boxers from a different Era—-just remember, “little ones” WBAN will be defending you some day when you have retired from the sport.
The early fighters faced countless obstacles — from social norms to legal restrictions that prevented women from competing. It was these pioneers who began to chip away at the barriers, paving the way for future generations.
When current boxers find themselves comparing their skills with those from earlier eras, it’s essential to understand the context behind these comparisons. Each era has its own unique challenges.
As time goes on and opportunities in women’s boxing increase, and you may pass by the pioneers, trailblazers and retired modern boxers—you will more than likely be in the same situation.
So as you all continue to box in today’s world, you will retire at some point, and hopefully your future sisters will respect the time you were in the sport and what was offered to you in your “Era” of boxing.
Just a reminder, without the pioneers, trailblazers, and those who fought for the rights to box or compete in the first place; lawsuits filed on behalf of women’s boxing, so that they could compete in the amateurs, and more—it would be extremely unlikely where the current boxers would be here today in the sport.
As we look toward the future of women’s boxing, one thing is clear: the journey cannot be successful without recognizing the foundation built by those who came before them. WBAN does hope that the current female boxers realize that one day, they too will retire, and they would surely hope that future generations honor their contributions with the same respect they extend to the pioneers of the sport.
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