1. Christy Martin (49-7-3, 31 KOs)
Christy Martin is the OG of women’s boxing. She was never the most skilled or physically gifter, but her grit and thunderous punch made her an all-time boxing great. She also did it at a time when not many women were boxing. In short, Martin put women’s boxing on the map.
Martin started boxing at 21 years old. She put together an impressive string of KOs and gained national attention. She appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996.
Martin eventually won the WBC super welterweight title in 2009 by defeating Dakota Stone by majority decision but lost it in their rematch.
Martin didn’t win many titles. Her legacy in boxing stretches far beyond titles. She proved to everyone that women’s boxing could be as successful and entertaining as men’s boxing. Martin inspired legions of female boxers like Laila Ali and helped women take a giant step into professional boxing. She helped grow the sport more than any other fighter before or after her.
Today, boxers like Braekhus, Taylor, and Shields continue to expand the scope of women’s boxing. They are pushing it to new heights. They are all part of the fabric of boxing history, and they all combine to help push gender equality in boxing. There’s more work to be done, and it has been a slow trek at times, but women’s boxing is growing and here to stay. Martin deserves a lot of credit for her contributions.