There is no denying that women’s boxing is going from strength
to strength with each passing year, with the last 12 months
having been no different.
Throughout 2022, the sport continued to grow and gain momentum
as it continued in its progress to become a mainstream showcase
across the globe, with numerous boxers having been able to make
a real impact in the ring.
Competitors such as Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor, Claressa
Shields, Savannah Marshall, and Ebanie Bridges are just some of
the women helping to take the sport to new heights, with many
having helped to bring eyes across to the ring. As a result of
the additional attention, sports
betting has started to take off
with punters now more interested in it than ever, while the
in-ring action has improved considerably due to the talents of
these female fighters.
Indeed, with the quality of these boxers, newer fighters are
starting to come through the sport, while there is a greater
level of competition between the ropes; two things that make
2023 more exciting than ever and should help to grow the sport’s
popularity even further.
Bouts already scheduled
One reason why the upcoming 12 months will be considered to be
even better than ever before is the fact that there are a number
of bouts already scheduled to take place, while there are rumors
of others that could potentially come to fruition, too.
We may not have to wait too long, either, with the first
headlining women’s contests potentially set to take place on
February 4. Although the date is rather tentative at the moment,
there is every chance that Madison Square Garden in New York
could be about to have a number of eyes on the ring, with a
number of betting opportunities set to be available that will
help to enhance the event’s appeal for many.
This is because two huge title fights are in line to take place
should the event go ahead, with Amanda Serrano and Erika Cruz
both putting their titles up in a winner-takes-all contest. The
WBC, WBO, IBO, IBF, WBA, and The Ring featherweight titles will
all be up for grabs for the winner.
Additionally, Alycia Baumgardner will also be expected to be in
action as she defends her WBC, IBF, WBO, and WBA
junior-lightweight titles against Elhem Mekhaled in New York.
Claressa Shields could have a couple of huge bouts
For many, Claressa Shields is the undisputed No. 1 in the
entirety of women’s boxing, and it would be hard to argue
against that point. She is currently 13-0 and the Flint,
Michigan, native looks unstoppable when between the ropes.
The American recently defeated Savannah Marshall at The O2 Arena
in London where she retained her WBA, WBC, IBF, WBF, and The
Ring female middleweight titles, but also added the WBO female
middleweight title to her collection. We can expect to see the
English star look to get her rematch in 2023, too, which should
prove to be another exceptional contest between two incredible
fighters.
However, Shields does appear to have her eyes on creating a
‘mega event for women’s sport’ at some point in the next 12
months, with the American having set her eyes on British boxer
Natasha Jonas. The Brit currently holds the WBO female
junior-middleweight title, the WBC female super-welterweight
title, and the IBF female light middleweight title after
improving to 13-2-1 after defeating Canadian Marie-Eve Dicaire
by a unanimous decision in November.
2023 should be a huge year
With so much that could potentially happen in women’s boxing,
there is no doubt that the next year could be an incredible 12
months for the sport and one that could potentially take it to
even greater heights! It will be interesting to see what does
happen throughout 2023 and whether it can be a platform for
further success in the future!
