FEMGEM-SERRANO VS. RIVAS FOR THE WBC DIAMOND BELT
Photo by Brant Wilson/RBRBoxing
January 14th celebrates a prestigious World Boxing Council female Diamond super bantamweight Championship, between Yazmín “Rusita” Rivas and Amanda Serrano, stoking the traditional pugilistic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico.
High quality international women’s boxing, only reached after a prolonged titanic fight to establish recognition for striving female fighters.
Female boxing which is now anchored firmly on to the sporting map, can be charted back to the early 18th century in Britain.
Historical data reveals that the first female champion was Elizabeth Wilkinson from London, who debuted as a professional in 1722.
However, it wasn’t until 1975 that backed up by an increasingly vocal groundswell of opinion, that women pressed for permission to fight in the various states of North America. They were denied.
Cathy Davis, Jackie Tonawanda and Marian Trimiar who challenged the state of New York for the rejection of their licenses, which focused public attention on the plight of women’s boxing.
Other experts claim that the birth of modern female boxing was on March 15, 1996 with the bout between Christy Martin and Deirdre Gogarty, who showed admirable courage, enthusing the fans.
Women fighters have stressed, underlined and reinforced their true worth. Laila Ali, is recognized as the greatest champion that has excelled so far. Kazakhstan fighter based in Germany, Ina Menzer, was paid up to 500 thousand Euros per combat !. Naomi Togashi, one of the best Japanese fighters in history. Marcela Acuña, a pioneer in Argentine boxing and a successful champion.
Cecilia Braekhus, at present the best pound for pound, with her magnificent undefeated record in 29 bouts. While Laura Serrano, is recognized as the main boxing pioneer in Mexico; The American Ava Knight and the Mexican Ana Maria Torres, are so far the only fighters that won the prestigious WBC Diamond belts. They will soon be joined by a third!
The World Boxing Council, led by Don José Sulaimán, began to sanction female boxing in 2004, and Mexican Jackie Nava was the first WBC champion. After almost 13 years, the WBC continues the ongoing and evolving campaign for women’s boxing to continue growing.
The WBC has achieved two successful world female boxing conventions in Playa del Carmen and Tijuana, promoting medical research, progress plus key interaction between, coaches, managers and promoters.
On January 14th Puerto Rican Amanda Serrano and Mexican Yazmin “Rusita” Rivas fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with the WBC Diamond belt on the line, to be broadcast on SHOWTIME. Not only will these young ladies revive the rivalry Puerto Rico Vs. Mexico, but will also have the opportunity to show the world that female boxing is flourishing.
