by Sue TL Fox
(DEC 29) The year 2024 has proven to be a monumental year for women’s boxing, showcasing not just thrilling matches but also highlighting the growing impact of female athletes in the sport. With many high-profile female bouts and great performances, this year has brought attention to some of the fiercest competitors on the in the world.
In January, we featured a story on Natasha Jonas, who was honored with a mural celebrating her impressive boxing career. It’s truly inspiring to witness the recognition women boxers receive through awards, statues, and especially murals that pay tribute to some of the sport’s top female athletes. Our WBAN news highlighted the unveiling of a mural dedicated to the achievements of 39-year-old Natasha Jonas, a two-weight world champion. This significant artwork was unveiled in Toxteth, Liverpool, marking a proud moment for both Jonas and the boxing community.
Meeting up with Pioneer female boxer in January…. I took an amazing journey to Bremerton, Washington and met up with Oliver Fennell, a writer/editor from Wales, and spending time with Oliver and Trailblazer Pioneer female boxer Margaret McGregor, who fought in 1999, in Seattle, Washington where she fought a male boxer in a sanctioned bout on a huge card, that drew International Media from all over the world.
In 2024, Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback of Plant City, Florida, at the tender age of 52 proved that “Age is Nothing more than a Number” when she returned to the ring in March 2024 since her previous fight in December 2022 and won against Yamila “La Maquinita” Reynoso of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This fight was for the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) world welterweight title.
In a final special tribute of one of our own….Alesia “The Tigress” Graf unexpectedly passed away at the age of 43. It is currently unknown as to the reason or reasons for her untimely death. Graf was born in Gomel, Belarus on October 14, 1980. Her birth name was Alesia Klimovich. She moved to Germany in 1999. Her last name changed to Graf because of marriage in 2002. She resided in Stuttgart, Germany where she trained as a boxer.
On February 18, 2024, Women Boxing Archive Network (WBAN) celebrated our 26 years on the Internet. On February 18, 2024, the Women Boxing Archive Network (WBAN) proudly marked its 26th anniversary on the Internet. This milestone is not just a celebration of time but a tribute to the tireless efforts and contributions of countless individuals who have supported women’s boxing over the years. We also celebrated two-years of the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees for 2023-2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We had that event in 2023 to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of WBAN, and 10 year anniversary of the IWBHF.
In 2024, we announced our 12 Recipients: Honoring “Women Cops Who Box” at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame that would and will take place April 4-5, 2025 are the Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. We were excited to announce its inaugural recognition of exceptional women in law enforcement, As part of our upcoming “Night of the Stars 2” pre-celebration day at our event. The connection between boxing and law enforcement is profound, as both fields demand discipline, tenacity, and courage. This unique initiative shines a spotlight on those officers who not only serve their communities or have served their communities with dedication but also excel in the ring. The honorees represent a diverse mix of backgrounds and experiences, illustrating the universal appeal of boxing as a method of empowerment and personal growth.
On August 18, 2024, our second oldest International Women’s Boxing Hall of Famer Inductee from 2019, Pat Emerick passed away at the age of 93 years old. In 2019, I had the pleasure of meeting Pat and her family at our International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame that was held in Brisbane, California, where Pat was inducted into the class of 2019. I would like to re-share a great article that was written about Emerick in a tribute to her trailblazing efforts in the sport of women’s boxing, when women’s boxing was not cool.
One of the most exhilarating developments in women’s boxing for the year has undoubtedly been the rematch between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. Their long-anticipated rematch ignited the boxing world, drawing in fans from all corners. Drawing in 50 million viewers on Netflix for this fight—definitely was one of the most significant history-making fights in the sport. Kudos to both Serrano and Taylor who showed the world what women’s boxing was all about.
Adding depth to the narrative of women’s boxing in 2024 are legends like Christy Martin who has a movie coming out about her boxing career and life as a boxer. Martin, who helped pave the way for future generations of female boxers, continues to be an influential figure within the sport. Her legacy resonates with many up-and-coming fighters, inspiring them to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
As we look closer at the changing landscape of women’s boxing in 2024, we cannot overlook the indomitable Claressa Shields. Often hailed as one of the greatest female boxers of all time, Shields has continued to break records and push boundaries this year. This year a movie “The Fire Inside” was released in theatres that featured her life in the sport. The movie came out on Christmas Day this year.
As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women’s boxing in 2024, it’s essential to look ahead.
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