BERNSTEIN ON BOXING
consulting in women’s boxing for years now, pointed out that women boxers are different from men in terms of their boxing biological clock. He said, “Women mature physically later and carry their physicality better into their 30s – that’s why so many women champions are still performing so well into their late 30s. And women boxers generally have [more] tread on [their] tires in their 30s.” So, those 30ish champs and contenders are in some respect also in the youth movement. One of the problems the sport has dealt with is a lack of depth because of the lack of young recruits. That is changing for several reasons. Taffet said, “Over time, as people involved with the sport got more exposure for their fights and the sport got talked
Scotney (U.K.) and Oshae Jones (U.S.) lead the charge of fighters infusing the sport with youth for the future. And what of top contenders like Francesca Hennessy (U.K.), Johanna Wonyou (France), Shannel Butler (U.S.), Tiah Mai Ayton (U.K.), LeAnna Cruz (U.S.), Lupita Medina (U.S.), Shannon Ryan (U.K.) and so many more? These are just some of the names who will help write the next chapter. And remember that quote about women carrying their physicality into later years. With that in mind, stars at 30 or just a little beyond also merit mention as part of the long-term future – fighters like Skye Nicolson, Cherneka Johnson, Dina Thorslund, Natalie Delgado, Alycia Baumgardner, Mizuki Hiruta, Sandy Ryan and Lauren Price.
and get to the Olympics and win medals like Claressa Shields. I just wanted to box to inspire other young women to do it.” A stint in a camp with top pro trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. turned things around. “He saw me and said he was convinced I could be a really successful pro if I committed to that career,” said Gabriela. “I wasn’t really sure. It was a hard decision. Before that, I still wasn’t seeing as many women on major cards – it wasn’t exactly like it is now. But I felt I had one of the best professional coaches supporting me and support from my family. I went for it, and I think about that decision all the time – I’m blessed that I made it.” She got fast-tracked to a world
about more in the media, young women were aware that this was a possible profession they could flourish in and be appreciated and get paid appropriately. That made them more likely to enter the sport.” Taffet also pointed out that part of this recruitment
title fight, and after seven wins got a shot at power- punching IBF lightweight titleholder Elif Nur Turhan. Tellez lost a controversial decision that many thought she won. It put her on the international boxing map. Both sisters understand and appreciate that they are part of something
“ The women take a different approach than men; they are more selfless, like den mothers for the young boxers. ”
THE YOUTH BRIGADE By Al Bernstein
Gabriela Fundora, 24, is the undisputed queen at flyweight.
and elevation of young talent in the sport comes from within, through women supporting other women. Taffet explained, “The women I work with regularly point me to younger women from their gyms or their countries or states. I’m sure others in my position elsewhere in the sport have the same thing happen. The women take a different approach than men; they are more selfless, like den mothers for the young boxers. They are in it to grow the sport.” It’s easy to see the results when you look at the ranks of women’s boxing, with the new faces of the youth movement coming from all over the world. Under-30 champions like Gabriela Fundora (U.S.), Tamm Thibeault (Canada), Estefany Alegria Osorio (Mexico), Caroline Dubois (U.K.), Sumire Yamanaka (Japan), Camilla Zamorano (Mexico), Ellie
American sisters Reina and Gabriela Tellez both came to the sport early but had different views of being a pro. Reina, now 23, started boxing at 8 and had a successful amateur career. She had contemplated turning pro, but COVID-19 cemented the idea in 2021. “Amateur shows were shut down, and it just felt like when things started up I needed a new direction. I had a solid team around me, and for the first time I looked at things and thought there were real opportunities there.” She has carved out an excellent pro career so far, including a world title shot in which she fought well but lost a decision against legend Amanda Serrano. Gabriela, already a world title challenger at the tender age of 19, was different. “I never really thought I would turn pro early or maybe not ever. I was getting ready to enter the Army and I thought I would box there
special in the sport. Gabriela said, “My goal was always to inspire young women to follow me into boxing, and now with a pro platform I can do it even better. We are all doing it.” Reina added, “It feels great to be a part of this youth movement. All the champions like Amanda [Serrano] support the younger fighters and want success for them, and I have great respect for them. They opened the doors for us to be successful. Now it is up to us to keep the sport moving in the right direction.” The Tellez sisters, along with dozens of other young and talented boxers who have arrived in the pro game, look like they will very likely hold up their end of the bargain. For those wondering about the future of the sport from a talent perspective, they can rest easy – the cavalry has arrived.
often because they started boxing late, had extended amateur careers and/ or had no great opportunities to turn pro in their area to begin developing a career. These things often overlapped, further delaying women’s pro careers. There are currently 24 boxers under 30 years of age in The Ring’s female ratings, which name the top five in each division from atomweight to super middleweight. Eight fighters under 30 have world titles among the various boxing organizations, with two Ring championships included. More importantly, there are at least a couple dozen top contenders in the various weight divisions under 30, and there is a slew of both champions and contenders who are just over the mark. Former HBO executive Mark Taffet, who has been managing and
T here is no denying this is a golden age for women’s boxing. The huge spike in interest was spawned by many factors. Matchroom Boxing, then Salita Promotions, then Most Valuable Promotions offered opportunities to women boxers, and platforms like DAZN and now ESPN and Netflix have given a worldwide stage to the sport. And, equally important, the women who compete in the ring have justified that support with excellent performances, exciting matches, constant growth as fighters and the willingness to fight the
best women available. While the sport and its participants try to capitalize on this boon in the present, they also have an eye to the future. To cement that future, of course, the product and promotion of the sport right now is important, but there is also one other element that is essential – young fighters adding depth for now and greatness for the time to come. There is ample evidence the necessary youth is currently arriving at the perfect time. Until recent years, professional women boxers arrived in the sport in their early or late 30s. It happened
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