Women's boxing
Women's boxing appeared first as exhibition fight in the Olympic Games of 1904, which took place in St. Louis U.S.A. Despite this fact for the most part of the 20th century the women’s boxing was banned in most countries.
The revival of female boxing occurred in the 90s of the past century, when in some countries women were allowed to compete under the amateur boxing rules. It is important to note, that even a most progressive countries like United States of America allowed women to compete in boxing only after long legal battles. Since then official recognition of women's amateur boxing it began to gain momentum and female boxing will officially become a part of the 2012 Olympic Games which will be held in London.
Professional Women's boxing was prohibited in the U.S.A until 1977. Even after the ban was lifted, the women’s boxing suffered from lack of popularity and exposure. The interest in women’s boxing began in the 90s during the boom that started in women's sports in the U.S.A, the best example of this is the establishment of a women’s professional basketball league. Women's professional boxing is also gained popularity due to participation of the daughters of the legendary boxers Laila Ali, daughter of Mohamed Ali and Jackie Frazier daughter of Joe Frazier. Professional Women's boxing today has become an integral part of the boxing world with all the major boxing governing bodies and associations sanctioning women's boxing bouts.
