Women in Boxing and the Roles being Played. For has mainly been a male dominant sport, more women are taking interest in the sport of boxing. And many women will learn it will not be an easy road to travel. Females boxers, journalists, promoters, manager, and match makers will find it's hard to gain the respect.I have always loved boxing since I was younger. I knew one day I'd always want to see myself covering the sport. What held me back from pursuing my dream was the fear of not being accepted and respected by the predominantly male audience. It wasn't until I reached out Jeff Mayweather, who has become a dear friend of mine, that I finally found the drive to go for it. I am now confident enough not to hide behind the initials of my name, so those wouldn't know I was female. But not every woman will find it that easy, there will be criticism yet to come.I recently had the honor of speaking to one of boxing leading ladies, known as "Fight Lady" to many, who took the time to share her experience with me. For she has worked with some of the greatest in boxing, and has also earned the respect of her male counter parts. I speak of none other than Wanda Bruce, who co promotes with Rock and Sock Productions and "A Ring of their Own".
DJ: I first have to thank you for taking the time to speak with me. So what got you interested in boxing?Wanda: Well I assisted with a press conference for Mike Tyson in an effort to gain votes to bring boxing matches back to DC. It was then I knew I wanted to be further involved.
DJ: What roles have you played that got you to where you are in boxing today?
Wanda: I worked for the Washington DC Boxing Commission and Inspector for a while. Then I put together a successful All Female Boxing Event in 2003. Afterwards, I received a call from Arnie Rosenthal of Rock and Sock Productions and we've been working together since. Along the way I have also worked with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, Buddy मक Girt and many others. But I am especially interested in Women's Boxing.
DJ: Did you experience any challenges along the way?
Wanda: OH Yes, of course I am a female. No one really took me seriously.
DJ: How is it for you now working in a male dominant business? Do you feel you get the respect you deserve now?
Wanda: Yes it is much better. Yes I do get that respect because I demand it. More people now take me more seriously.
DJ: What events have you worked on for those who aren't aware ?
Wanda: I promote " A Ring of Their Own" which is an all female event, I've done a few PPV events in Canada. Made matches for bouts in South America and other countries. I do everything from braiding the girl's hair, walking them to the ring, getting their spit bucket and so on. I am not the typical promoter.
DJ: What sets you apart from your male counterparts?Wanda: The fact that I am there from beginning to end. Most male promoters do that exactly and just promote. I am their for my girls and truly care about them.
DJ: How do you feel about the Women's Olympic Boxing Competition being eliminated due to it not being as popular as the Men's Olympic Boxing Competition?
Wanda: I feel something needs to be done about it. Most boxers get their start at the Olympics. I don't feel it's fair that women will not be given the same opportunity as men.
DJ: If there was anything change about boxing, what would it be?Wanda: Equality. I hope that one day boxing fans will be just as interested in Women's Boxing as they are in Men's Boxing. I hope one day they are also given that same respect. If people gave them a chance and actually watched a woman's event they may find they actually enjoy it. I feel women display more professionalism in the sport. They pride themselves in competitive match ups and not cat fights or brawls. My goal is to help their skills of boxing be widely recognized.Women involved in male dominant sports have always struck controversy. Without boxing greats like Muhammad Ali there would be no Laila Ali and without Joe Frazier there wouldn't have been a Jacqui Frazier-Lyde. So not to be confused men's boxing I respected greatly. But like the saying goes behind every strong man stands a strong woman.
Wanda Bruce is one of many looking to find their own place in boxing. There are also the Infamous Women of Myspace (Keisha , Katrina, and Bernadette) that have been promoting boxers. They have gotten the like of Dibella to start networking through the site along with many boxers as well. Since then, Gary Shaw has followed in Dibella's steps. And lastly there are women such as the Notorious, no pun intended, Jin Mosley who manages her husband Shane Mosley's career. Just maybe one day men and women will be able to co exist as equals in the sport of boxing. I know that it makes me happy to be apart of the Women of Boxing and the roles we play.
Written by:DJ Carter
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