Julio Garcia
Women’s boxing in the United States seems like a relatively new thing. It’s been around for ages but hasn’t gotten much recognition since the days of Mia St. John, Laila Ali and Christy Martin. The U.S. has had some great talents along the way but due to a lack of attention they would have to go outside their home country to fight. All that changed once Claressa Shields stepped into the picture.
Shields won Olympic gold not once but twice for the United States. She had that it factor when it came time to turn pro just like Oscar De La Hoya had so it came as no surprise that her fights would be broadcast on national television. In her own rights, she’s the golden girl and in only eight professional fights she has accomplished so much.
On March 13th, Shields will take the next step in her career as she goes on to face Christina Hammer in the most highly-anticipated fight in women’s boxing in years. Hammer began her professional career in 2012 and has yet to lose a fight.
Both are champions and two of top fighters in the world so the hype is real for this fight and it’s good to see it happen while fans still want it to happen. There’s a lot riding on this fight especially for women’s boxing in the U.S. If such a big fight fails to deliver it would put women’s boxing a step back but if they have a great fight it will push women’s boxing further which is much needed for the sport.
