Women's boxing has come a long way in the last few decades, overcoming restrictive legislation to become one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Irish star Katie Taylor's super fight against Amanda Serrano in 2022, headlining Madison Square Garden, exemplified the sport's growth and popularity. Taylor emerged victorious, retaining her undisputed lightweight title in what was hailed as the biggest women's boxing fight ever. As August opens up more boxing contests and betting betting opportunities for fans, let's explore some of the best female boxing matchups.

Laila Ali vs. Jacqui Frazier-Lyde (2001)

In 1975, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier's legendary rivalry culminated in the 'Thrilla in Manila,' with Ali emerging victorious, retaining his WBA and WBC world heavyweight titles. Unbeknownst to them, 27 years later, their daughters, Laila Ali and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, recreated the epic rivalry. Dubbed "Ali-Frazier IV," their historic bout became the first pay-per-view event headlined by female boxers, making a major impact on women's boxing. With both fighters undefeated, the eight-round match was thrilling, with powerful blows exchanged and staggering moments. Their determination and courage were evident as they stood strong throughout. Laila Ali secured a majority decision victory (79-73, 77-75, 76-76). She later retired undefeated with 24-0 and multiple world titles, leaving an extraordinary legacy in the sport.

Cecilia Braekhus vs Ivana Habazin (2014)

Norwegian Cecilia Braekhus turned pro in 2007 after a successful amateur career. She quickly rose to fame, winning the vacant WBA and WBC welterweight titles in her eleventh fight and adding the vacant WBO belt three bouts later in 2010. 

Ivana Habazin of Croatia faced initial disappointment in her quest for a world title but redeemed herself in 2014, claiming the IBF strap with a split decision win.

Their paths crossed in 2014 for the undisputed welterweight championship, a historic moment for female boxing. However, the fight highlighted Braekhus's dominance and the limited depth in the women's division. Braekhus won via unanimous decision.

Braekhus held the undisputed title for an impressive six years until her defeat to Jessica McCaskill in 2020. Meanwhile, Habazin achieved success by winning the IBO middleweight belt in 2018, avenging her previous loss.

Claressa Shields vs. Christine Hammer (2019)

Claressa Shields stood out in women's boxing since the 2012 Olympics, won gold medals in London and Rio before turning pro with an impressive 77-1 amateur record. Her sole loss was against Savannah Marshall.

Her professional debut saw a unanimous decision win over Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who later secured two world titles, highlighting the division's talent.

Within four fights, Shields claimed the WBC and IBF super middleweight titles from Nikki Adler. She amassed five world titles in two weight divisions in just two years, an outstanding achievement in eight fights.

Her 2019 clash with Christina Hammer represented a legacy fight, pitting the old guard against the new Olympic wave. Shields defended her WBA, WBC, and IBF middleweight titles, and Hammer risked her WBO belt. The historic battle ended in Shields' unanimous decision victory (98-92, 98-92, 98-91), marking Hammer's first and only career loss. Check out the Betway website for updated boxing matches throughout the year.

Katie Taylor vs Delfine Persoon (2019)
Irish boxer Katie Taylor won Olympic gold in 2012 and turned pro after a disappointing 2016. She quickly became a female boxing trailblazer, claiming WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight titles by her thirteenth fight.

Delfine Persoon, a tough Belgian fighter with an impressive 43-1 record, stood in her way. Their clash of styles made their bout a highly anticipated super fight. They fought on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden.

Their match lived up to the hype, as both fighters engaged in an all-out war, thrilling fans. The judges controversially awarded the fight to Taylor, sparking debates.

The rematch followed a year later, continuing their intense rivalry and putting women's boxing in the spotlight.

There have been some remarkable female bouts, and more will come before the turn of the year. They present great opportunities for Betway boxing betting fans to wager ahead of all upcoming fights, courtesy of the various available markets.