In the world of professional boxing, women have been delivering knockout performances that deserve the same spotlight as their male counterparts. While male boxers often dominate the headlines, there are some incredible female fighters whose remarkable skills and determination are often overshadowed. However, even in such a male-dominated sport, many women have proven that gender is no obstacle to success in boxing.

Names such as Mia St. John, Laila Ali, Christy Martin, Holly Holm, and Cecilia Braekhus, managed to reach the pinnacle of women’s boxing reaching worldwide fame in the process. Over the decades, these female fighters not only entered the ring but also shattered stereotypes and gained recognition as legitimate champions. Here’s their journey to the top of the sport.

Mia St. John: The Trailblazer

Mia St. John’s journey from a humble childhood to becoming a world champion boxer is truly inspiring. Born into a challenging environment, she faced adversity early on. Raised in poverty, she struggled to make ends meet, but her determination and resilience were unwavering. Mia, of Mexican-American heritage, was born in San Francisco, California.

Mia pursued her education, obtaining a degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge. During her student days, Mia showcased her tenacity by excelling in taekwondo, earning a black belt, and also modeling to finance her education.

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At 29, Mia decided to pursue a career in professional boxing. She burst onto the scene with an explosive 54-second knockout in her debut, earning the moniker “The Knockout.” Over the years, she signed with top boxing promoters like Don King and Top Rank Boxing, and her success in the ring earned her national recognition. However, her path was not without challenges, including a serious skiing accident.

In 2005, after years of hard work and perseverance, Mia St. John achieved her dream of becoming a world champion, capturing the WBC international boxing title. Beyond her boxing career, Mia actively engaged in humanitarian efforts and advocacy for mental health. The boxing legend tragically lost her son to suicide and now she has made it her life’s mission to prevent the same fate for others.

Laila Ali: Carrying the Legacy

Laila Ali, born on December 30, 1977, in Miami Beach, Florida, is a remarkable figure in the world of professional boxing. She’s the daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali and his third wife, Veronica Porché. Despite her father’s initial disapproval due to his Muslim faith, Laila Ali defied the odds to become one of the greatest female boxers ever. Her journey began when she decided to pursue a career in boxing at the age of 18 after watching a Christy Martin fight.

In her debut match on October 8, 1999, she knocked out April Fowler, capturing the attention of fans and journalists alike. Laila Ali’s achievements continued as she won the IBA, WIBA, and IWBF titles, unifying the super middleweight division. Moreover, she also added the IWBF light heavyweight title to her resume. Her battles were fierce, with a notable rematch against Christy Martin in 2003 and a victorious defense against Erin Toughill in 2005, making her the second woman to win a WBC title.

Christy Martin: The Queen of Boxing

Christy Renea Martin, a prominent figure in the world of professional boxing, emerged as a symbol of female empowerment in the sport. Born in Mullens, West Virginia, in 1968, her journey to stardom began in her early years. She showcased her athletic prowess by excelling in Little League baseball and all-state basketball during her school days. Martin’s boxing career took off under the guidance of her coach-turned-husband, Jim Martin. She transitioned from ‘Toughwoman’ contests to professional boxing at the age of 21. Her remarkable journey included three consecutive titles and 19 consecutive victories. This makes her a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.

Although her career had its ups and downs, with losses and title changes, Christy Martin maintained her resilience and determination. She made significant contributions to the sport, with 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, 31 of those wins by knockout. In 2016, she was honored as the first female boxer inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and later, in 2020, into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Yet, her life was not without hardships. In 2010, a horrifying incident occurred when she was stabbed and shot by her husband. Her miraculous survival and her husband’s subsequent imprisonment stand as a testament to her strength.

Holly Holm: The Multiple-Discipline Champion

Holly Holm, an American mixed martial artist, boasts a remarkable journey filled with achievements. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she began her sporting endeavors in soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and diving. Her introduction to the world of combat sports happened during aerobics classes. Interestingly, her potential as a fighter was recognized by her cardio-kickboxing instructor, Mike Winkeljohn.

In professional boxing, Holm reached the pinnacle by becoming the undisputed welterweight champion. She achieved a record of 140 to 154 by defeating Mary Jo Sanders in 2008. However, her career had its ups and downs, including a memorable knockout loss to Anne Sophie Mathis in 2011, which she avenged later. However, she chose to retire back in 2013 in order to focus on MMA. In a sport where it takes decades for someone to prove their might Holm, was an enigma who shone the brightest. Moreover, she moved on to prove herself in MMA as well defeating the likes of Ronda Rousey as well.

Cecilia Braekhus: The Undisputed Champion

Cecilia Brækhus, born in Cartagena, Colombia in 1981, embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of combat sports. Adopted by Norwegian parents at the age of two, she grew up in Sandviken, Bergen. Her passion for combat sports ignited at fourteen when she ventured into kickboxing, eventually transitioning to amateur boxing. With an impressive amateur record of 75 wins out of 80 matches, her potential was evident. In 2007, Brækhus transitioned into the professional boxing world under the guidance of German promoter Wilfried Sauerland.

Her debut fight against Croatian boxer Ksenija Koprek in January 2007 marked the beginning of a storied career. Her journey was filled with triumphs, including multiple title defenses against formidable opponents. In 2014, Brækhus achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first female boxer to hold the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles simultaneously. However, her accomplishments didn’t stop there. She even earned accolades like the Female Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America. She also gained recognition from Guinness World Records.

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The journeys of Mia St. John, Laila Ali, Christy Martin, Holly Holm, and Cecilia Braekhus epitomize the incredible evolution of female boxing. They shattered stereotypes, overcame adversity, and paved the way for future generations of female fighters. What are your thoughts about the legendary female boxers mentioned above? Do you think there should be someone else mentioned in the list? If so do share their names in the comments.

Watch This Story: 10 Greatest Female Boxers of All Time

(To know more about Mia St. John’s fascinating journey, tune in to the ESFanCast, LIVE this Friday at 11:30 AM ET. We sit down with the female boxing icon who has transcended beyond boxing as a mental health advocate, mother, playboy model, actor, and more.)