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Femme Fatales

posted by Kathleen Holland on March 2, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

After my previous article sighting the most handsome men of professional boxing I decided to turn my attention to the women of professional boxing. Unfortunately and unfairly, women's boxing does not get to share in the same "spotlight" as that of the men.

These strong, talented, hard-working as well as beautiful women deserve some long overdue VIP treatment in their quests for ring recognition and career opportunities. One of the biggest issues with women's professional boxing in my humble opinion is, even with it's global presence the appeal to die-hard boxing fans seem to be lacking. ( Seeing that the majority of boxing fans are male and their pre-occupation with cat fights and mud wrestling you would think ....) Enough said about that.

With the exception of Layla Ali ( 24-0) and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde ( 13-1-0) many other exceptional and promising contenders simply go un-noticed and sadly slip under the radar of both fans and media alike. I will bet that my readers would find it difficult to name one world champion women boxer. This needs to change in order for the current femme fatales of the boxing scene to take their rightful places among the "elite" in the sport of fisticuffs.

Would I like to go and duke it out in the ring? I would say not. I could break a nail. Would I be able to view a women's pro bout? In all honesty, maybe yes and maybe no. However, my on the fence opinion about watching a bout between 2 women fighters does not in any way stop me from respecting their choice of sport/career and their incredible will to do something they love and totally believe in.

It takes a very special person to evolve into a boxer ( female or male). Guts, glory, sweat, and
blood may not be pretty but in the end after all the hard work is done and the realization that champs are made not born, these fighters know they have what it takes to be successful in their chosen career path.

Researching what is available on women boxing (there should be way more sites) was informative as well inspiring. WBAN is a site that focuses solely on woman's boxing. Listing present champions as well as promising stars who will quietly claw their way to the top of women's boxing. I felt a strong connection with these hard-hitting, quick-handed, kicking butt women who look forward to lacing them up whenever they get the call.

These fighters are definitely a combination of beauty,brains and brawn. I applaud their spirit of fair play and equal opportunity as well as their motivation to knockout the glass ceiling of the "old boy" boxing network. Their records, articulate interviews as well as classy personas in and out of the ring speak for themselves. Boxing is much more than just a hobby to them it is their passion, destiny, and ambition to leave their mark on the great sport of boxing. Dedication replaces cooking dinner hands down for these women.

If you do not readily recognize the names below, I invite you to visit the WBAN site and learn more about all the great woman boxers from the US and around the world. These ladies will become the best of the best if given the chance to spotlight their unique talents in the mainstream media. It is said that "Pretty is as pretty does" but these pretty women surely can pack a punch and guys remember: never under estimate the power of a woman.

Maureen "Moe" Shea 12-0-0
Hollie Dunaway 21-6-0
Elena (Baby Doll) Reid 19-3-5
Melinda Cooper 18-0
Eileen Olszewski 5-0-1
Wendy Rodriquez 18-4-3
Kelsey Jeffries 40-9-1
Mary Jo Sandes 25-0-0
Holly Holm 21-1-2
Susianna Kentikian 20-0-0
Melissa Del Valle 29-6-1
Chevelle Hall 26-5-2

Let's hear it for the girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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