(July 29) This weekend, women's boxing was “The Bad and the Ugly.” And we're not talking about the 1966 Italian spaghetti western. Let's start on a positive note…Some of the top cards that took place this weekend.
One of the featured bouts on the card, held Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, was the heavyweight debut of 174 3/4 Claressa “T-Rex” Shields from Flint, Michigan, who proved to be by far the most powerful heavyweight in the division. Shields defeated her opponent, Vanessa LePage Joanis, by TKO in the second round, knocking Vanessa down three times in that round before the referee stopped the bout. Shields went on to win the WBC and WBF heavyweight titles, as well as the vacant WBO light heavyweight title.
Another great night of women's boxing took place at the County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas. On the main line, Stephanie Han won an eight-round decision over Miranda Reyes as the two fought for the WBA Intercontinental title. The card also featured a women's boxing bout as Yadira Bustillos won an eight-round decision over Amy Salinas. [For
all the fights that took place this weekend and in the month of
July, go here]
This weekend's two boxing cards are a reminder that women's boxing is not only alive and well, but thriving. The skill, tenacity and dedication shown by these fighters is paving the way for more recognition and opportunities for female boxers.
Okay, so the bad/ugly story goes… our top pick for this weekend… is the match that took place on Saturday night, July 27th…
[By the way this is not the
boxers issue—-it is their promoter, matchmaker, manager,
etc., who are encouraging these matchups in the first
place…they either have so little confidence in there
fighter—or just want to build a boxing record of “sure wins”
against inferior/journeyman-women opponents.]
So, without further ado….
The match was between professional debutant Julia Lee, a female boxer with 111 losses in boxing history, and Claudia Bainok Ferenczi. Lee won by stoppage in the third round. Claudia suffered a severe cut above her eye from what appeared to be a headbutt.
Claudia has not won since 2019, with 40 losses and two draws. WBAN took a look at some of the footage that was available online.
“How is this any different than putting two newbies together? How am I going to learn anything from beating someone who hasn't won 40 fights in five years? She just lost three weeks ago,” Lone Castle told WBAN.
It's also worth noting that the same boxing card featured two questionable matchups: Jack Blencowe (2-0-0) vs. Victor Edaga (4-94-3) and Harvey Dykes (3-0-0) vs. Ryan Labone (0-17-2). Click here to see all the crazy matchmaking in our database.
You guys, the boxing community, promoters, managers, fighters and everyone: we are better people than this. Isn't it time to prioritize the welfare and progress of fighters over short-term profit and appearances, and to strive for fair and meaningful competition that fosters the development and growth of their skills?
We need to create an environment where fighters can learn and improve, not just be used as a stepping stone for others.
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