Top 15 Best Legendary Female Boxers of All Time

In the world of boxing, the spotlight has often been on male fighters, but it’s time to shine a well-deserved light on the legendary female boxers who have not only stepped into the ring but have also left an indelible mark on the sport.

This article explores the inspiring journeys and remarkable achievements of these legendary female boxers of all time who have broken barriers and earned their place in the annals of boxing history.

From Laila Ali to Claressa Shields, we’ll delve into the stories of these exceptional athletes who have proved that boxing knows no gender when it comes to sheer talent, determination, and success.

The Emergence of Women’s Boxing

Women’s boxing has a rich history that evolved. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women began participating in boxing exhibitions and matches, but it was often met with resistance and controversy.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that women’s boxing started to gain more recognition and legitimacy.

The 1970s saw the emergence of pioneers like Cathy “Cat” Davis and Marian “Tyger” Trimiar, who were among the first women to receive official licenses to compete in the United States.

In 1993, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) held its first sanctioned female bout, marking a significant milestone for the sport.

This was followed by the inclusion of women’s boxing in the 2012 London Olympics, further elevating its status.

Since then, female boxers like Laila Ali, Claressa Shields, and Katie Taylor have gained widespread acclaim, demonstrating their skill and dedication to the sport.

Women’s boxing has continued to grow, and today, it holds its place as a respected and celebrated part of the boxing world.

See also: Unveiling the Elite: 20 World-Class Male Boxers of Today

Top 15 Best Legendary Female Boxers of All Time

Below are the rankings of the top 15 Best legendary female boxers of all time

15. Chantelle Cameron

Record: 18-1 (8 KO’s)

Shantel Cameron is a British boxer born in 1991 in Northampton, England. Her journey into martial arts began at the age of 10 when she developed a passion for the sport while watching martial arts movies.

She commenced her training in kickboxing and later transitioned to Muay Thai at the age of 16.

After a successful amateur career, where she secured WAKO and IKF titles, Cameron transitioned to professional boxing at the age of 18.

During her amateur years, she earned bronze and silver medals at the 2010 and 2011 European Championships.

In her professional boxing career, Cameron has fought in multiple weight divisions, including super-featherweight, lightweight, and light welterweight, where she currently holds the title.

With a career record of 17 matches, Cameron boasts a perfect record with 17 victories, including eight wins by knockout.

Despite her young age, she has gained significant experience in title fights and currently holds the IBF, WBC, and The Ring super-lightweight world champion belts.

14. Mia St. John

Record: 49-14 (19 KO’s)

Mia St. John, often referred to as “The Knockout,” enjoyed a remarkable and enduring career in the world of professional boxing.

Throughout her journey in the sport, she achieved championship titles in both the lightweight and light-middleweight divisions, solidifying her status as a formidable force in the ring.

Mia St. John’s remarkable career spanned over a significant period, encompassing an impressive 19 years. She made her debut in the boxing world in 1997, and her commitment to the sport was unwavering.

Throughout this extensive career, she engaged in a total of 65 professional fights, demonstrating her remarkable endurance, skill, and determination.

Notably, her achievements extended across five different weight divisions, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a boxer.

It’s a testament to her dedication and the mark she left in the world of boxing that continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow athletes alike.

Mia St. John’s legacy in the sport remains a source of inspiration and admiration for many.

13. Susanna Kentikian

Record: 36-2 (17 KO’s)

Susanna “Susi” Kentikian, known as “Killer Queen,” was born in Armenia in 1987 and is celebrated for her fierce and aggressive boxing combinations.

At a young age, she left Armenia with her family and eventually settled in Germany after a period of moving between countries, specifically Hamburg in 1996.

Her family’s journey was marked by significant developments, including Susi signing a boxing contract for three fights in 2005, which eventually led to their receipt of a permanent residence permit in Germany.

Her foray into boxing officially began in 2005, and remarkably, she remained undefeated in her first 30 matches.

Kentikian’s boxing experience encompasses 39 fights, with an impressive record of 36 wins, two losses, and one no-contest.

Throughout her career, she had the opportunity to compete for a title over 25 times, establishing herself as a two-time champion in the flyweight division.

Her WBA title reigns spanned from 2007 to 2012 and then from 2013 to 2017, making her one of the notable figures in women’s boxing during that era.

12. Christy Martin

Record: 49-7 (31 KO’s)

Christy Martin stands out as a pioneering figure in women’s boxing, having achieved the remarkable distinction of being the first female ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Her illustrious career spanned an impressive 23 years, making her a true trailblazer in the sport.

Renowned as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Christy Martin became one of the most widely recognized and respected fighters in the world of boxing.

Throughout her extensive career, she fearlessly faced opponents from various corners of the globe, demonstrating not only her exceptional skills but also her unwavering determination.

In 2012, after a lengthy and distinguished journey in the ring, Christy Martin decided to retire, symbolizing the conclusion of a chapter in her life that had Left an enduring impact on the sport of boxing.

Her achievements and the recognition she received for her contributions have forever solidified her legacy as an icon in the world of women’s boxing.

11. Seniesa Estrada

Record: 26-0 (9KO’s)

Born in 1992 in the United States but with Mexican roots, Seniesa Carmen Estrada found her love for boxing at a young age.

Growing up in a family of boxing enthusiasts, she watched fights on TV and was determined to become a boxer, even though her father initially disagreed.

Estrada began boxing training at just eight years old, a commitment she’s upheld throughout her life. She’s driven by a desire to represent her Mexican culture and her people.

Her professional boxing career started in 2011, and she boasts an impressive record of 24 wins in 24 matches, with nine knockouts and 15 decisions.

Seniesa is undefeated and competes in flyweight, mini-flyweight, and light flyweight divisions, earning the nickname “Superbad.”

She holds WBA World Minimum and WBC World Minimum titles. In July 2020, she made history with the fastest knockout in women’s boxing, taking just 7 seconds to knock out her opponent, Miranda Adkins.

Seniesa Carmen Estrada’s career highlights her dedication to the sport and her mission to represent her heritage and culture through boxing.

10. Alycia Baumgardner

Record: 15-1 (7 KO’s)

Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner, born in 1998 in Fremont, Ohio, has diverse German, African-American, Korean, and Japanese heritage. Growing up in a large, close-knit family with a boxing tradition, she had their unwavering support.

At the age of four, she began wrestling, and by six, she was taking boxing seriously at the Fremont Wreckers gym.

In 2017, at just 20 years old, she made her professional debut, winning her first two matches by knockout within 20 days.

With 15 bouts under her belt, Baumgardner holds an impressive record of 14 wins and one loss by decision.

She fights in the Mexican style, a technique passed down by her grandmother.

Currently, she’s the super featherweight champion with titles from WBC, IBO, WBO, IBF, and The Ring, and she’s had four successful title fights.

9. Holly Holm

Record: 38-2 (9 KO’s)

The former UFC bantamweight champion, Holly Holm, is often referred to as “The Preacher’s Daughter.”

What sets Holm apart is her unique distinction as the only fighter to have held world boxing and UFC titles.

Notably, she embarked on her boxing career before her foray into mixed martial arts.

Holm’s boxing journey began in 2002, a year that marked her debut in the sport.

Over her boxing career, she accomplished remarkable feats, securing titles such as the IBA light-welterweight title, along with the WBA, WIBA, IFBA, IBA, and GBU welterweight titles.

She achieved an impressive nine knockout victories, besting renowned fighters like Anne Sophie Mathis, Diana Prazak, Christy Martin, Mia St. John, and Mary Jo Sanders.

While Holly Holm found her current home in MMA, boxing retains a special place in her heart.

Her trailblazing status is undeniable, especially when considering her achievements and the unique position she holds as a dual-sport champion.

Holly Holm’s journey in both boxing and MMA is a testament to her incredible skill and determination in combat sports.

8. Regina Halmich

Record: 54-1(16 KO’s)

Regina Halmich emerged as a pivotal figure who significantly contributed to elevating the profile of women’s boxing throughout Europe.

Her accomplishments firmly establish her as one of the most eminent female fighters in the annals of the sport.

Hailing from Germany, Regina Halmich achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a world champion across not just one, but three weight divisions: light-flyweight, flyweight, and super-flyweight.

Her dominance in these weight classes marked her as a true force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.

What’s particularly noteworthy about Halmich’s career is her exceptional track record. Throughout her journey in the ring, she managed to maintain a stunning record of only one loss in a total of 56 bouts.

This level of consistency and excellence is a testament to her extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment to the sport.

In 2007, Regina Halmich decided to retire, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and impact the popularity of women’s boxing across Europe and beyond.

Her career remains a shining example of what can be achieved through skill, dedication, and determination in the world of professional boxing.

7. Ann Wolfe

Record:  26-1 (16 KO’s)

Ann Wolfe, known for one of the most iconic knockouts in boxing history, is a fighter renowned for her toughness.

She entered the boxing scene in 1998 and achieved the status of a former WBA-NABA super-middleweight champion and an IBA light-heavyweight champion.

In a memorable bout in 2004, Ann Wolfe faced Vonda Ward and delivered a devastating knockout punch in the first round, a moment that still resonates in boxing conversations to this day.

While her in-ring career concluded in 2006, Wolfe’s dedication to the sport endures.

She pays it forward by training fighters, including James Kirkland, and has even ventured into the world of film, appearing in productions such as “Wonder Woman.”

With an impressive record of 16 wins by knockout, it’s no surprise that she is a Hall of Famer and rightfully earns her place on this list.

6. Laila Ali

Record: 24-0 (21 KO’s)

Our next contender on the list is none other than Laila Ali, the daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali.

She marked her professional debut in the world of boxing in 1999 and swiftly made history by becoming the first woman to headline a pay-per-view event.

This historic match took place in 2001 against Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, the daughter of another heavyweight icon, Joe Frazier.

Laila Ali’s boxing career is nothing short of remarkable, with an array of titles to her name.

She held the titles of IBA, IWBF, WBC, and WIBA super-middleweight champion, and she also secured the IWBF light-heavyweight championship.

Stepping into the ring as the offspring of a boxing legend like Muhammad Ali brought immense expectations, but Laila Ali didn’t just cope with the pressure; she excelled and carved her path in the sport.

Today, Laila Ali has transitioned into a TV personality, which makes one ponder how she would fare against the current generation of fighters if she were to step back into the ring.

Her legacy in boxing remains undeniably impressive, and her unique place in the sport’s history is a testament to her skills and resilience under the spotlight.

5. Lucia Rijker

Record: 17-0 (14 KO’s)

Revered as “The Most Dangerous Woman in the World,” Lucia Rijker boasts an impressive legacy as both a kickboxing and boxing champion.

Her list of accolades includes former titles as the WIBF welterweight and WIBO junior welterweight champion.

Notably, Rijker is an esteemed member of both the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which underscores her profound impact on these sports.

Rijker’s striking prowess is legendary, and her skills extended to the silver screen where she played a significant role in the film “Million Dollar Baby.”

While her anticipated matchup against Christy Martin never materialized in the boxing ring, her reputation as a formidable opponent was undoubted, especially with an impressive record of 14 wins by knockout.

Lucia Rijker remains a figure who would undoubtedly command respect and fear among today’s fighters, her indelible mark in the world of combat sports being a testament to her extraordinary abilities.

4. Cecelia Braekhus

Record: 37-2 (9 KO’s)

Not too long ago, Cecilia Braekhus, known as “The First Lady” in the boxing world, set the ultimate benchmark for title fights.

Her remarkable achievement of holding all four major titles simultaneously places her in the elite company of just ten boxers in the sport’s history.

As a testament to her extraordinary talent and determination, Braekhus successfully defended her titles an impressive 25 times.

Her list of victories includes triumphs over formidable opponents such as Jessica Balogun, Mia St. John, Ivana Habazin, Erica Farias, and Kali Reis, showcasing her dominance in the ring.

However, every champion eventually faces a formidable challenger, and in 2019, Braekhus experienced her first taste of defeat against Jessica McCaskill, and then again in a rematch in 2021.

Despite these setbacks, Cecilia Braekhus’s era as a dominant champion remains a testament to her exceptional skills, making her a legendary and awe-inspiring figure in the world of boxing.

3. Amanda Serrano

Record: 46-2 (30 KO’s)

Amanda Serrano stands as one of the most decorated boxers in the history of the sport, an accolade that holds regardless of gender.

She has achieved the remarkable distinction of being a seven-weight world champion, an accomplishment that testifies to her immense versatility and skill.

Serrano’s professional boxing journey commenced in 2009, and over the years, she has adeptly navigated various weight classes, enjoying remarkable success in each.

Notably, Serrano is currently on an impressive 28-fight win streak, with her last loss dating back to 2012 against Frida Wallberg.

She has displayed her boxing prowess through victories over formidable opponents such as Eva Voraberger, Yazmin Rivas, Heather Hardy, Daniela Romina Bermudez, and Fatuma Zarika.

Amanda Serrano’s talents extend beyond the confines of boxing.

In addition to her 30 knockout victories, she has explored other combat sports, including MMA bouts, and has even expressed interest in professional wrestling.

Furthermore, Serrano is just one title win away from matching Manny Pacquiao’s record of titles in different weight divisions, a testament to her extraordinary accomplishments in the ring.

2. Katie Taylor

Record: 23-1 (6 KO’s)

Katie Taylor, an undisputed lightweight world champion, enjoys widespread acclaim within the boxing community for her exceptional skills and achievements.

This 2012 Olympic gold medalist ventured into the professional boxing arena in 2016, where she embarked on a remarkable journey, facing a succession of highly formidable opponents.

Taylor’s extensive list of victories includes notable wins against the likes of Jessica McCaskill, Victoria Bustos, Eva Wahlstrom, Rose Volante, Delfine Persoon, Natasha Jonas, and Jennifer Han.

The two bouts against Delfine Persoon, in particular, were highly entertaining and served to showcase her talents to a global audience.

Before transitioning to the professional ranks, Katie Taylor compiled an impressive amateur career, marked by five World Championships and six European Championship titles.

She accumulated over 170 wins during her amateur career, a remarkable achievement that complements her unblemished professional record.

Despite being 35 years old, Taylor appears to be reaching her peak, displaying remarkable durability in the ring.

Through a partnership with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, Katie Taylor has not only captivated audiences in the United Kingdom but has also made her mark on the international stage, including the United States.

Her record and championship reign stands as a testament to her extraordinary talent, and her journey continues to speak for itself, solidifying her status as a must-see performer in the world of professional boxing.

1. Claressa Shields

Record: 14-0 (2 KO’s)

Claressa Shields, an accomplished two-time Olympic gold medalist, has achieved an impressive track record in professional boxing.

In a mere twelve fights, she has already claimed the title of undisputed middleweight champion and has firmly established her presence in the light-middleweight division.

Shields’ journey in the boxing ring has been defined by her remarkable victories against some of the world’s top fighters, including Hanna Gabriels, Christina Hammer, Ivana Habazin, and Marie-Eve Dicaire, underscoring her undeniable dominance in the sport.

Beyond her in-ring success, Shields has emerged as a prominent advocate for gender equality in combat sports, tirelessly working to ensure that female fighters receive the same recognition and pay as their male counterparts.

She has also ventured into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), demonstrating her willingness to embrace new challenges and continue evolving as an athlete.

At the youthful age of 27, it’s evident that Claressa Shields has not yet reached her prime.

The upcoming years hold immense promise, and it’s entirely plausible that she could ascend even higher in the list of boxing greats, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s most influential and dominant figures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Female Boxers Hold the Most KO Records?

Christy Martin’s impressive boxing career includes 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, with a remarkable 31 knockout victories.

She is a regular attendee at the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremonies, underlining her lasting impact on the sport.

Who was the Boxer that Hit his Wife?

Boxer Gervonta Davis has been accused of physically assaulting a woman, which has led to him facing a domestic violence charge. This charge stems from an alleged incident in which Davis is accused of harming a woman, and it signifies a serious legal matter that he must address.

The accusations have raised concerns about his behavior and actions, and the legal process will determine the outcome of these allegations.

Has a Male Boxer and a Female boxer ever Boxed?

It was the inaugural exhibition mixed match featuring professional boxers, with Margaret MacGregor representing Bremerton, Washington, and Loi Chow hailing from British Columbia, Canada.

This historic event, held in Washington State, garnered international attention and sparked significant controversy, receiving extensive high-profile media coverage.

How Many Female Boxers Have Lost Their Lives in the Ring?

According to Julie Goldsticker, the spokesperson for USA Boxing, which serves as the governing body for amateur and Olympic boxing in the United States, it is a tragic fact that Alexis Zerlentes is the first woman to have lost her life in a sanctioned amateur boxing match.

This unfortunate incident highlights a somber milestone in the history of the sport, as it signifies a severe consequence that is rarely seen in amateur boxing, particularly among female fighters.

What Happens When Someone Dies While Boxing?

From a legal perspective, it’s important to note that in the unfortunate event of a fatality in a combat sport like boxing, the surviving participant generally doesn’t face criminal charges or lawsuits.

This protection arises from the contractual agreements participants enter into before the match.

This legal framework underscores the significance of informed consent and contractual agreements within combat sports.

Conclusion

These top 15 best legendary female boxers of all time stand as a testament to the enduring power of determination, courage, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness within a sport that knows no gender boundaries.

Their stories continue to inspire and ignite the flame of aspiration in a new generation of fighters, proving that in the ring, legends are born, and they stand the test of time as icons of strength and resilience.