The World Boxing Council reaffirms its commitment to equity in boxing on International Women’s Day

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the World Boxing Council (WBC) reaffirms its commitment to the development and equity in women’s boxing through various initiatives focused on strengthening opportunities for women within the sport.

“Throughout the month of March, WBC Cares and the WBC are dedicating our efforts to empowering women,” said Christiane Manzur, Director of WBC Cares in Mexico. “What we seek is to achieve equity for women in the ring—to ensure they have the same opportunities, receive fair pay, and are heard.”

The WBC also champions Women’s Empowerment Month throughout March, promoting actions aimed at better pay and economic conditions, greater presence in rankings and sporting opportunities, increased media visibility, as well as support for the inclusion of women’s fights. Initiatives like “Women in Boxing” and “From the Streets to the Ring” lay the foundation for a duty that extends beyond the ring. Furthermore, Jill Diamond, WBC Cares Chair and International Secretary, will be a speaker at the UN during Women’s Empowerment Month this Wednesday, March 11.

“The WBC has been a guiding light and advocate for women athletes since 2004, when Jackie Nava, the ‘Aztec Princess’, won our first World Title. We have always believed that talent, not gender, creates a champion,” said Diamond. “Women fight the same. They bleed the same. And they deserve the same. Moving forward, we continue to encourage, engage, and educate women and their supporters to act with dignity, speak up for fairness, and unite in our one true fight: equality for all. This mission supports everyone from seasoned boxers to every young woman with courage enough to step into the ring”.

As part of this effort, the WBC held five Women’s Boxing Conventions between 2014 and 2018, dedicated to advancing women’s boxing globally. The first was held in Cancun in

2014, and the most recent in the Philippines in 2018, bringing athletes, officials, and industry leaders togeth. These conventions were halted due to the pandemic. More recently, in March 2025, the WBC held a Women’s Summit in Las Vegas, bringing together over 200 boxing professionals, including doctors, referees, judges, boxers, and promoters. Among the pioneers recognized during the summit were Laila Ali, Mariana Juárez, and Mia St. John.

WBC Cares also seeks to highlight the generational impact of women’s boxing, showcasing the legacy of pioneers like Ali, Amanda Serrano, and Claressa Shields, the success of current champions like Gabriela Fundora, Mikaela Mayer, and Katie Taylor, and the inspiration they provide to young women who represent the future of the sport.

Through these actions, the World Boxing Council continues to advance a vision of equality, development, and recognition for the women who are a fundamental part of the present and future of global boxing.