The Promise of Women's Boxing: A Momentous New Era for the Sweet Science: Malissa Smith: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

The Promise of Women's Boxing

A Momentous New Era for the Sweet Science

The Promise of Women's Boxing

A Momentous New Era for the Sweet Science

Description

"A well-researched and vital contribution to sports collections" (Booklist) and a must-read book on the rise of elite women’s boxing
On April 30th, 2022, the first boxing super-fight of the era, headlined by two women and fought at Madison Square Garden, lived up to its hype and then some. The two contestants fought the battle of their lives in front of a sold-out crowd and garnered 1.5 million views through online streaming. It was the culmination of a long, three-centuries arc of women’s boxing history, a history fraught with highs and lows but always imbued with the heart and passion of the women who fought.
In The Promise of Women's Boxing: A Momentous New Era for the Sweet Science, Malissa Smith details the exciting period from the 2012 Olympics through the true “million-dollar baby” women’s super-fights of 2022 and beyond. Rich in content, the stories that emerge focus on boxing stars new and old, important battles, and the challenges women still face in boxing. Smith examines the development of the sport on a global basis, the transition of amateur boxers to the pros, the impact of online streamlining on the sport, the challenges boxing has faced from MMA, and the unprecedented gains women’s boxing has made in the era of the super-fight with extraordinary seven-figure opportunities for elite female stars.
Featuring the stories of women’s boxing icons Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Savannah Marshall, and more, and with a foreword by two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time undisputed champion Claressa Shields, The Promise of Women’s Boxing offers unprecedented insight into the incredible growth of the sport and the women who have fought in and out of the ring to make it all possible.

Product details

Published	Jun 04 2024
Format	Hardback
Edition	1st
Extent	292
ISBN	9781538177716
Imprint	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Illustrations	26 BW Photos, 1 Table
Dimensions	9 x 6 inches
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

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
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 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’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