The Promise of Women's Boxing

"[This book] tells the story of women's boxing's coming-of-age in the 21st century with the emergence of such trailblazers as Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Claressa Shields and many others.... After a very informative introduction that encompasses the entire previous history of women's boxing, Smith delves right into the beginning of what is already considered a golden era of the sport, right on the aftermath of the explosive irruption of pioneers such as Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker back in the '90s. Fighters such as Alicia Ashley and Heather Hardy pave the way for the new generation that changed the boxing landscape forever as they emerged from the very first Olympic Games that featured women's boxing, kickstarting the professional careers of fighters like Taylor, Shields, Mikaela Mayer, Natasha Jonas and so many others....The personal stories of each of these fighters is only a part of the journey. Smith's deep research into every detail of their careers and into how each of them contributed to making women's boxing one of the fastest growing sports in recent memory is impressive. The tales of the two-decade-long transition between poorly paid prelims and million-dollar purses, the growing interest of promoters and TV networks, and the transition from skepticism to admiration in boxing's fan base are described in detail. As much as her previous History of Women's Boxing is a description of a long and arduous process, this work covers the explosion of that initial big bang into the greatest generation of female fighters ever. -- ""The Ring"" For anyone who follows and enjoys women's boxing--this is the perfect book for you. It's not just history and facts; this book is also full of stories and in-depth examinations. Malissa Smith did a terrific job! --Jackie Kallen, boxing manager, 2024 inductee to the International Boxing Hall of Fame Malissa has captured the wonderful growth of women's boxing in her book The Promise of Women's Boxing. She highlights how quickly the women have become a major force in amateur and professional boxing. And in many cases, the women overshadow the men. --Bruce Silverglade, owner of boxing's world-famous Gleason's Gym Malissa Smith has given readers a very accurate accounting of women's boxing. From the Olympics to selling out Madison Square Garden, she has revisited the history I'm proud to be a part of. --Christy Martin, retired boxing champion, 2020 inductee to the International Boxing Hall of Fame Malissa Smith has written a compelling book on the progression of women's boxing, showing us the grit, determination, and perseverance that took the sport from the first ever inclusion in the 2012 London Olympics to today's era of mega-fights. --Sue Fox, founder, Women's Boxing Archive Network, International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame Malissa Smith is the ultimate chronicler of women's boxing. Her new book details the last dozen years, during which fighters like Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and Amanda Serrano have not only evened the playing field, but at times outperformed their male counterparts. --Steve Farhood, Showtime boxing analyst and former editor of The Ring magazine and 2017 Inductee, International Boxing Hall of Fame Malissa Smith's comprehensive analysis and understanding of this very important period in the evolution of women's boxing makes for a terrific read. --Lou DiBella, President, DiBella Entertainment, 2020 inductee to the International Boxing Hall of Fame Malissa's effort to document the journey of women's boxing is nothing short of titanic. In a world where stories are told in spurts of 280 characters on social media, Malissa takes the time to delve into the struggles of every fighter, and she takes us along for a ride that is rich in both journalistic rigor and historical accuracy--with her gift for storytelling making it a pleasure to read. --Diego Morilla, writer, editor, and moderator for the Women's Ratings Panel, The Ring magazine Malissa's grasp of, eloquence on, and in-depth research into the continued resistance of change to 3-minute rounds for women is equally fascinating and disheartening. A must read for anyone interested in gaining insight into women's boxing. --Alicia Ashley, retired boxing champion, 2023 inductee to the International Boxing Hall of Fame Smith gives a comprehensive look at an underappreciated sport while making it entertaining and insightful. This is not a recitation of facts; instead, it tells a compelling story, not just of the big names who have dominated the sport in the last decade, like Claressa Shields (who wrote the foreword), Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, but of the fighters who still operate below the radar. -- ""BoxingScene.com"" Smith is a respected women's boxing historian whose debut, History of Women's Boxing (2014), might be described as a first-round must-read. This follow-up is a second-round winner. Divided into three time periods, Smith acknowledges setbacks for the sport but centers on talented and skilled women boxers who have led the charge for its fast growth. She credits the debut of women's boxing at the 2012 Olympic Games, the first induction of women into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, its procurement of main-event status at Madison Square Garden, and the emergence of WWE female superstars as key events for elevating the sport. Smith examines issues ranging from the pros and cons of amateur vs. professional boxing, two-minute vs. three-minute rounds, and pay equity. Among the boxers featured are flyweight champion Marlen Esparza, Irish professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor, and two-time Olympic Gold medalist Claressa Shields, who also penned the forward for the book. A well-researched and vital contribution to sports collections that honor the athletes who have proven they deserve respect and belong in the boxing ring. -- ""Booklist"" There is no one more knowledgeable about or dedicated to women's boxing than Malissa Smith. Without bias, Malissa is able to translate her passion into words that satisfy an enthusiast while appealing to occasional fans. A must read for any diligent sports enthusiast. --Jill Diamond, WBC co-chair of the Women's Championships, WBC International Secretary, Global Chair WBC Cares"