Balazs Boxing Newsletter

What makes women get in the ring? I really don’t know.
I just know I’m driven to be there.

My first real spar was with a guy who wanted to see if I had what it took (he is a heavyweight pro fighter. Me? 5’5″, 142 lbs. with no fights). Even though he controlled his power, he still hit me very hard for four rounds! He left me with a black eye, a sore nose, hurt ribs, gasping for air and with him thinking I would never come back. To his surprise, I came back the next night. Now, he is my trainer.

When I first came to the gym, everyone stared at me and had very little, if anything, to say to me. Now after four months, I have sparred with several of them and most know me by name. It really feels good to be accepted–to know they think of me as a fellow boxer.

Am I a real boxer? I believe I am. I’m getting in the ring August 25th. I’ll be doing something very few men or women have the guts to do. I will cross that line.

As I quietly pray and seek guidance, I am scared! I’m scared to death and even more nervous! Do I have the heart? I have been told I do, and once again I believe I do. However, I can’t answer that question till after the fight.

By Linda Guedalia

Whether you box competitively, for fitness or just for fun, Balazs would like to applaud you. Throughout the years, women have had to fight for the right to box. The following timeline highlights poignant events throughout the history of women’s boxing.

1720

The first staged women fights were in London England. Fighters could punch, knee and kick all parts of their opponents’ body. Mauling, scratching and throwing were not considered foul play. Serious injury to both fighters was not unusual.

1904

Boxing was introduced at the Olympic Games in St. Louis. Women’s boxing was a displayed event at the third Olympic games.

1954

First female fight on TV. One of the most famous women’s boxers of all-time, Barbara Buttrick, became the first female boxer to have her fight broadcast on national television.

1975

First female judge to work a world heavyweight title bout. Eva Shain earned a place in the Guinness Book of Sports Records for being the first female judge of a world heavyweight fight. 1975 also marked the first time a female judge worked a professional fight at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

1993

USA Boxing recognizes female boxers after losing a landmark court case. USA Boxing’s Board of Governors passes legislation to support female boxing. First amateur female bout held in Bellingham, Washington.

1996

Four-day amateur tournament in Augusta, GA. Increase in the number of women boxers causes USA Boxing to conduct an amateur event. 340 registered amateur boxers in late 1996.

1996

Christy Martin and Diedre Gogarty fought undercard at the Tyson-Frank Bruno fight. Fans were captivated by the female bout and it lent instant credibility to women’s boxing. It drew 1.1 million viewers—the second-most watched boxing card in pay-per-view history.

1997

USA Boxing’s first ever Women’s National Championships.

2001

There are approximately 3,500 competitive female boxers in the U.S. Worldwide, this number is close to 10,000, and growing rapidly. Apart from competitive boxers, many women train recreationally through fitness, executive boxing, and boxaerobics.

Balazs supports women in boxing and has designed products
to provide the protection you need, the comfort you want and
the quality you deserve.

Exoflex Protective Bra

For an active lifestyle, the Exoflex is the only bra you will need.
From running to competitive boxing, the Exoflex supports and
protects you like no other—with all the comfort of your favorite bra.

Pelvic Protector

Finally—a pelvic protector designed by women for women. Offers protection for hips, abdomen and pelvic area without being bulky and uncomfortable. Adjustable elastic straps at the waist, hips, and legs provide a custom fit.

Boxer’s Heart Book

Any woman who has grappled with anger and trust, been nagged by insecurity at the gym, or wondered what it feels like to throw a punch will identify with this witty and honest author’s experience. 229-page hardcover novel.