The Women Who Shaped An Era.
Article By: Tuff Glove Boxing
Women’s boxing has long existed in the shadows, awaiting the arrival of stars powerful enough to shatter barriers and elevate the sport to its rightful place in the public eye. Today, we are in the golden age of women’s boxing, thanks to the unmatched contributions of three living legends: Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and Amanda Serrano. Each of these champions has carved out her legacy, taking different paths but all leading to one undeniable truth: women’s boxing is here to stay, and it’s stronger than ever.
Let’s explore the lives and legacies of these three extraordinary athletes, allowing you to decide who stands at the top of the pound-for-pound list.
Claressa Shields: The “GWOAT” with a Legacy Like No Other
Claressa Shields has done the unthinkable in her boxing career, setting standards that few could have imagined. Known as the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), her list of achievements is breathtaking:
-
- Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist – Shields burst onto the scene as a teenager, capturing the gold in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. These victories solidified her status as an unstoppable force in amateur boxing, paving the way for her professional career.
-
- 15 World Titles Across Five Divisions – Shields has conquered the super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and even heavyweight divisions, an accomplishment that is nothing short of historic.
-
- Three-Time Undisputed Champion – Shields became the first fighter in history—male or female—to achieve undisputed status in three different weight classes: super welterweight, middleweight (twice), and light heavyweight.
-
- Lineal Champion – Shields holds lineal titles at super welterweight and middleweight, further solidifying her dominance.
-
- WBC & WBA Super Middleweight Champion – Shields took on the super middleweight challenge early in her career, cementing her ability to dominate bigger fighters.
-
- Pound-for-Pound #1 Fighter – Shields is consistently ranked as the best female boxer in the world.
-
- 2022 ESPY Award Winner for Best Boxer – Shields is the only woman to win this prestigious honor, underscoring her universal impact on the sport and proving that women can stand shoulder to shoulder with male athletes in skill and tenacity.
Shields’ Contribution to Boxing:
Shields’ contributions transcend her titles. She has fought for gender equality, calling for equal pay, recognition, and respect for female fighters. Her outspoken nature and willingness to take on any challenge—even crossing into MMA—have pushed the sport forward and inspired countless young girls to lace up the gloves. Shields is more than just a champion; she is an advocate, a trailblazer, and an indomitable force in the world of sports.
Katie Taylor: Ireland’s Golden Star and Ambassador of Women’s Boxing
Katie Taylor is a name synonymous with pioneering change. Hailing from Bray, Ireland, Taylor’s journey from amateur sensation to global superstar has paved the way for women’s boxing on an international scale.
-
- Olympic Gold Medalist – Taylor captured Olympic gold in 2012, one of the first moments that women’s boxing truly shone on the world stage.
-
- Undisputed Lightweight Champion – In 2019, Taylor became the undisputed lightweight champion by holding the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles. Her unification bout against Delfine Persoon in Madison Square Garden was historic, and she retained this undisputed status until 2022.
-
- Two-Division Champion – Taylor added another accolade to her career by capturing titles at super lightweight, defeating Christina Linardatou for the WBO title.
-
- Headliner at Madison Square Garden – In 2022, Taylor’s clash with Amanda Serrano made history as the first women’s fight to headline Madison Square Garden. The sold-out event brought unprecedented attention to women’s boxing and proved that female fighters can command the same audience and excitement as their male counterparts.
-
- BWAA Fighter of the Year 2018 and 2022 – Taylor’s skills and courage in the ring have earned her multiple Fighter of the Year awards from the Boxing Writers Association of America, highlighting her continuous impact.
Taylor’s Contribution to Boxing:
Katie Taylor’s rise brought mainstream credibility to women’s boxing. Her technical skill, relentless work ethic, and sportsmanship have inspired fans across the globe, but her true contribution lies in her impact on Europe. Taylor has given the sport a face in her home country of Ireland and beyond, encouraging a generation of young women to step into the ring. Her battles against Serrano, Cameron, and Persoon were not just fights—they were statements, each time proving that women deserve the spotlight.
Amanda Serrano: The Puerto Rican Multi-Division Powerhouse
Amanda Serrano’s journey through boxing is one of resilience, versatility, and pure talent. Nicknamed “The Real Deal,” Serrano has amassed a record and resume that speak for themselves:
-
- Seven-Division World Champion – Serrano has won world titles in a staggering seven weight classes, from super flyweight to lightweight, a feat unmatched by any other female boxer. Her ability to maintain power and effectiveness across divisions has made her a legend.
-
- Undisputed Featherweight Champion – In 2023, Serrano captured the undisputed featherweight championship, unifying all four major belts in the division.
-
- First Women’s Boxing Headliner at Madison Square Garden – Serrano’s fight with Katie Taylor was the first female bout to headline a card at MSG, drawing a record crowd and showcasing women’s boxing to a global audience.
-
- Over 40 Wins and 30 Knockouts – Serrano’s impressive record includes over 40 wins, with nearly 75% ending in knockouts. Known for her power, she has one of the highest KO ratios in women’s boxing.
-
- BWAA Fighter of the Year 2016 – Serrano’s accomplishments were recognized by the Boxing Writers Association of America when she earned Fighter of the Year honors, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s top athletes.
Serrano’s Contribution to Boxing:
Serrano’s contribution lies in her extraordinary versatility and toughness. She was one of the first female fighters to prove that power, endurance, and skill could transcend weight classes, Much is made of Claressa Shields short presence in the mixed martial arts arena however, Amanda Serrano took MMA fights in Between her boxing matches to stay active and fight ready. Amanda has never lost an MMA fight. Her presence has given a voice to Puerto Rican boxing, a traditionally male-dominated arena, and she has inspired countless Latinx athletes worldwide. Serrano’s bouts, especially with Taylor, have broken records and pushed women’s boxing to new heights.
The Pound-for-Pound Debate: Who is Truly Number One?
Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and Amanda Serrano have each played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of women’s boxing. Shields’ dominance and activism, Taylor’s international impact and technical brilliance, and Serrano’s unparalleled versatility and power each bring unique qualities to the sport.
So, who truly stands atop the pound-for-pound list? This question may never have a definitive answer, but one thing is certain: these three women have transformed women’s boxing forever. They’ve battled not just opponents but the stereotypes and barriers that kept their sport in the shadows for too long.
The final decision is in the hands of the fans. Do you value Shields’ historic achievements across three undisputed titles and five weight classes? Or is it Taylor’s technical mastery and global reach that resonates more? Perhaps it’s Serrano’s versatility and record-breaking accomplishments that place her at the top. No matter your choice, each of these champions has earned her place in the annals of boxing history.
Honorable Mention
In recent years, Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Savannah Marshall, Chantelle Cameron, Natasha Jonas, Mikaela Mayer as well as Sandy Ryan have emerged as a force in Women’s Boxing, showcasing skill and resilience that have propelled them to world championships and thrilling rivalries. Jessica McCaskill has also turned heads, transitioning from super lightweight to welterweight, where she became undisputed champion. Her intense fights and victories over names like Cecilia Brækhus have cemented her as one of the sport’s toughest competitors. The undisputed recently retired Seniesa Estrada has redefined what’s possible in the lower weight classes, capturing titles at minimumweight and light flyweight with speed, precision, and knockout power rarely seen at those weights.
Another standout is Alycia Baumgardner, whose explosive style and recent win over Mayer Which have marked her as an undisputed champion and fierce competitor in the super featherweight division. Cecilia Brækhus, often called the “First Lady” of boxing, held the undisputed welterweight titles for years, Same as the Hard hitting Christina Hammer. dominating their division and paving the way for future champions. Terri Harper has also made her mark, capturing the WBC and IBO titles at super featherweight and inspiring young fans worldwide with her determination and grit as she became a three division world champion. Together, these women have helped raise the visibility of women’s boxing, each bringing their unique flair and dedication to the sport.
Article By: TUFF Glove Boxing
Ducking Terence Crawford Proves To Be a Bad Omen?
This past Saturday, the boxing world witnessed a brutal reminder of the dangers of underestimating opponents and, perhaps, the cosmic consequences of ducking one of the sport’s most feared competitors—Terence “Bud” Crawford. Tim Tszyu, the rising Australian star, took a serious beating at the hands of Bakhram Murtazaliev, a fighter many fans discredited as an unknown “nobody.” Tszyu appeared to look past his opponent, with no active game plan as Murtazaliev relentlessly punished him with the same left hook over and over. The final blow came when Tszyu’s team mercifully threw in the towel, saving their fighter from further damage. Yet, mainstream media painted Tszyu as a warrior, commending his resilience for getting back up repeatedly—something Devin Haney, it seems, never received credit for despite going twelve hard rounds with Ryan Garcia and making it a close fight.
But Tszyu’s loss goes beyond just a lapse in preparation or underestimating his opponent. Leading up to this fight, Tszyu made some questionable comments about Turki Alalshikh, boxing’s newest power broker, dismissing him as a “kid who wants a lollipop.” Even more shockingly, he brushed off Terence Crawford, calling him “easy work.” This is the same Crawford that Tszyu avoided fighting last year, choosing instead to fight Keith Thurman, a bout that later morphed into a matchup against Sebastian Fundora. In that fight, Tszyu lost his title, and this latest defeat raises a curious question—has ducking Crawford become a curse in boxing?
A History of Ducking Crawford
It’s not just Tim Tszyu. The trend of fighters avoiding Crawford stretches back years, and for many of them, their careers seem to unravel afterward. Take Mikey Garcia and Danny Garcia, both of whom fled the 140lb division when the looming threat of a Crawford showdown became real. Manny Pacquiao famously ducked Crawford before losing to Jeff Horn in a shocking upset. Keith Thurman, another fighter who sidestepped a Crawford fight, would later lose to Pacquiao.
Yordenis Ugas also turned down a Crawford fight before losing to Shawn Porter. Most famously, Errol Spence Jr. ducked Crawford for nearly five years, only to be demolished by Crawford in a fight that exposed Spence’s limitations in front of the entire world.
But it doesn’t end there. Virgil Ortiz and Jaron Ennis both passed on opportunities to fight Crawford in 2022. Jermell Charlo ducked a fight with Tszyu only to take a riskier bout with Canelo Alvarez, where he was thoroughly outclassed, and later dropped his belts to avoid a Crawford fight. Even Sebastian Fundora, who became champion after fighting Tszyu, swerved a potential Crawford bout to chase Errol Spence—a move that left fans scratching their heads as Spence himself had been dismantled by Crawford.
The “Omaha Monster”
Is it possible that turning away from the chance to fight Crawford comes with a curse? The evidence suggests so. Fighters who evade the “Omaha Monster” often find themselves facing unexpected defeats, career setbacks, and public criticism. The trend points to an unavoidable conclusion: avoiding Terence Crawford could very well be a bad omen.
Tim Tszyu’s recent loss fits perfectly into this narrative. Instead of embracing the challenge of facing one of boxing’s pound-for-pound kings, Tszyu looked for easier paths—only to find himself the victim of a brutal beating by a so-called “nobody” in Murtazaliev.
What’s Next? Canelo in the Crosshairs
As the boxing world waits for Canelo Alvarez’s next move, speculation is growing about whether he will join the list of fighters who duck Crawford. If history tells us anything, choosing to avoid the Crawford challenge may come with a heavy price.
The case for Terence Crawford as the real “boogieman” of boxing is stronger than ever. Fighters who avoid him seem cursed by bad luck, poor performances, and career derailments. Whether it’s Mikey Garcia’s sudden decline, Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Jeff Horn, or Errol Spence’s shocking defeat, the evidence is clear—ducking Crawford might just be the worst decision a fighter can make.
Conclusion: Facing Crawford Is To Face Greatness
The boxing world has a lesson to learn: there are no shortcuts to greatness. In an era where fighters increasingly prioritize business decisions over legacy, Terence Crawford stands as a reminder that true greatness demands facing the best. As fighters continue to dodge “Bud” Crawford, they may be risking more than just a loss—they may be risking their careers.
For Tim Tszyu, the lesson came hard and fast. And for others, like Canelo, Jaron Ennis, and Virgil Ortiz, the clock is ticking.
Article By: TUFF Glove Boxing
Ducking Terence Crawford Proves To Be a Bad Omen?
This past Saturday, the boxing world witnessed a brutal reminder of the dangers of underestimating opponents and, perhaps, the cosmic consequences of ducking one of the sport’s most feared competitors—Terence “Bud” Crawford. Tim Tszyu, the rising Australian star, took a serious beating at the hands of Bakhram Murtazaliev, a fighter many fans discredited as an unknown “nobody.” Tszyu appeared to look past his opponent, with no active game plan as Murtazaliev relentlessly punished him with the same left hook over and over. The final blow came when Tszyu’s team mercifully threw in the towel, saving their fighter from further damage. Yet, mainstream media painted Tszyu as a warrior, commending his resilience for getting back up repeatedly—something Devin Haney, it seems, never received credit for despite going twelve hard rounds with Ryan Garcia and making it a close fight.
But Tszyu’s loss goes beyond just a lapse in preparation or underestimating his opponent. Leading up to this fight, Tszyu made some questionable comments about Turki Alalshikh, boxing’s newest power broker, dismissing him as a “kid who wants a lollipop.” Even more shockingly, he brushed off Terence Crawford, calling him “easy work.” This is the same Crawford that Tszyu avoided fighting last year, choosing instead to fight Keith Thurman, a bout that later morphed into a matchup against Sebastian Fundora. In that fight, Tszyu lost his title, and this latest defeat raises a curious question—has ducking Crawford become a curse in boxing?
A History of Ducking Crawford
It’s not just Tim Tszyu. The trend of fighters avoiding Crawford stretches back years, and for many of them, their careers seem to unravel afterward. Take Mikey Garcia and Danny Garcia, both of whom fled the 140lb division when the looming threat of a Crawford showdown became real. Manny Pacquiao famously ducked Crawford before losing to Jeff Horn in a shocking upset. Keith Thurman, another fighter who sidestepped a Crawford fight, would later lose to Pacquiao.
Yordenis Ugas also turned down a Crawford fight before losing to Shawn Porter. Most famously, Errol Spence Jr. ducked Crawford for nearly five years, only to be demolished by Crawford in a fight that exposed Spence’s limitations in front of the entire world.
But it doesn’t end there. Virgil Ortiz and Jaron Ennis both passed on opportunities to fight Crawford in 2022. Jermell Charlo ducked a fight with Tszyu only to take a riskier bout with Canelo Alvarez, where he was thoroughly outclassed, and later dropped his belts to avoid a Crawford fight. Even Sebastian Fundora, who became champion after fighting Tszyu, swerved a potential Crawford bout to chase Errol Spence—a move that left fans scratching their heads as Spence himself had been dismantled by Crawford.
The “Omaha Monster”
Is it possible that turning away from the chance to fight Crawford comes with a curse? The evidence suggests so. Fighters who evade the “Omaha Monster” often find themselves facing unexpected defeats, career setbacks, and public criticism. The trend points to an unavoidable conclusion: avoiding Terence Crawford could very well be a bad omen.
Tim Tszyu’s recent loss fits perfectly into this narrative. Instead of embracing the challenge of facing one of boxing’s pound-for-pound kings, Tszyu looked for easier paths—only to find himself the victim of a brutal beating by a so-called “nobody” in Murtazaliev.
What’s Next? Canelo in the Crosshairs
As the boxing world waits for Canelo Alvarez’s next move, speculation is growing about whether he will join the list of fighters who duck Crawford. If history tells us anything, choosing to avoid the Crawford challenge may come with a heavy price.
The case for Terence Crawford as the real “boogieman” of boxing is stronger than ever. Fighters who avoid him seem cursed by bad luck, poor performances, and career derailments. Whether it’s Mikey Garcia’s sudden decline, Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Jeff Horn, or Errol Spence’s shocking defeat, the evidence is clear—ducking Crawford might just be the worst decision a fighter can make.
Conclusion: Facing Crawford Is To Face Greatness
The boxing world has a lesson to learn: there are no shortcuts to greatness. In an era where fighters increasingly prioritize business decisions over legacy, Terence Crawford stands as a reminder that true greatness demands facing the best. As fighters continue to dodge “Bud” Crawford, they may be risking more than just a loss—they may be risking their careers.
For Tim Tszyu, the lesson came hard and fast. And for others, like Canelo, Jaron Ennis, and Virgil Ortiz, the clock is ticking.