2024 has been a groundbreaking year for women’s professional boxing, with significant milestones, high-profile match-ups, and inspiring retirements. While we can’t cover every remarkable event, let’s look at the biggest stories that shaped the world of women’s boxing in 2024:
1. Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano II: A Historic Rematch
The most talked-about event of the year was undoubtedly the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano rematch, which took place on November 15th. This fight captured the attention of fans worldwide for two key reasons:
- Record-breaking paydays for female boxers, marking the largest in women’s boxing history.
- Unprecedented viewership, making it the most-watched women’s sports event in U.S. history.
While the rematch was a huge win for both fighters and the sport, it highlights a bigger issue: While high-profile bouts like these get the attention they deserve, many talented female fighters still struggle to get televised exposure or fair pay. The progress made is promising, but there's still a long way to go for equal recognition and opportunity in women’s boxing.
2. Claressa Shields Dominates: A New Heavyweight Champion
Claressa Shields, often regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound female boxers, made history again in 2024. She moved up to the heavyweight division and claimed the WBC title from Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. This victory solidified her position as a three-time undisputed champion. Shields, known for her fierce determination, is already eyeing her fourth undisputed title in February 2025.
Additionally, The Fire Inside, a documentary about Claressa's incredible journey, captivated boxing fans worldwide. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the struggles and triumphs of an elite fighter.
3. First Women’s World Title Fight in Saudi Arabia
In October 2024, Raven Chapman and Skye Nicolson made history by competing in the first-ever women’s world title fight in Saudi Arabia. This fight was part of the undercard for the highly anticipated Beterbiev vs Bivol bout. Skye Nicolson, the reigning WBC featherweight champion, successfully defended her title, making this event a landmark moment for women in boxing and another step toward global recognition for female athletes.
4. Sara Bailey: Canada’s Fastest Female Boxer to Win a World Title
Sara Bailey made history as the fastest Canadian woman to win a world title in boxing. Her achievement has inspired many aspiring female athletes, proving that hard work and determination can break barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports.
5. Retirements of Heather Hardy and Senesia Estrada
2024 also saw the emotional retirements of two key figures in women’s boxing.
-
Heather Hardy, known for her unyielding spirit and dedication, announced her retirement due to medical reasons. After her fight with Amanda Serrano, Hardy was set to transition into the bare-knuckle arena. However, medical tests revealed that she had suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. We wish Heather all the best as she moves forward and prioritizes her health.
-
Senesia Estrada, a two-weight class world champion, also called it quits at age 32. In an emotional interview with Top Rank, Estrada reflected on her extraordinary 13-year career, saying, “We did everything we imagined I would do and more as a woman in a male-dominated sport.” We’ll continue to celebrate her legacy and look forward to her future endeavors.
As we wrap up 2024, we look forward to seeing what 2025 brings for women’s boxing! What do you see in the future? and/or what would you like to see?
