In Ireland, boxing has traditionally been seen as a men’s sport, where names like Barry McGuigan, the 1985 WBA world champion in the featherweight division, or Steve Collins, known as “The Celtic Warrior,” who captured world titles in the super middleweight class twice, became legends. Their stories of triumph and endurance inspired generations of young men to pick up gloves, dream of big rings, and world titles. But everything changed when Katie Taylor stepped into the spotlight.

Katie Taylor, a name now synonymous not only with Irish boxing but also with women’s boxing on a global scale, became the first ray of light piercing through patriarchal prejudices. She didn’t just win a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London; she became a symbol that women can achieve just as much, if not more, in boxing. Her career in professional boxing has been phenomenal: securing titles from WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO in the lightweight division, Taylor repeatedly defended them, becoming an undisputed champion across various weight categories. Her successes set an example for many young girls in Ireland, who saw in her the possibility for themselves in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

Punched traditions

However, this change didn’t come without resistance. In Irish society, where traditions hold significant weight, the idea of women standing in the ring with bare fists caused confusion. But the results spoke for themselves. Following Katie Taylor, others emerged, and their names began to resonate on the international stage with no less force. Women’s boxing started gaining points in Ireland and has now become a fully-fledged sport looked after by the country’s boxing federations. Even bookmakers take bets on women’s boxing matches not only in traditional booths but also in all credit card casinos, whether they are traditional establishments or online casinos.

Girls of steel

Sinead Kelly, another young talent who has stepped onto the scene, gained recognition at European competitions, where her speed and technique earned her a series of medals. She became a symbol of the new generation unafraid to challenge stereotypes. By competing in European Championships, Sinead demonstrated that Irish women can be not only resilient but also exceptionally talented.

Amanda Serrano, although originally from Puerto Rico, found her second home in Ireland, where she was trained for title conquests. She became one of the most decorated female boxers in history, winning titles from WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA across different weight classes. Her performances in Ireland, especially her match against Katie Taylor, which became one of the most discussed fights in women’s boxing, raised the level of interest in the sport among women.

Another name worth mentioning is Kellie Harrington, who won gold in the lightweight division at the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) in Tokyo. This victory was further proof that Irish women not only can but have the strength to become Olympic champions. Kellie’s performances at the European Games and European Championships also showed that Taylor’s success was not an exception but the beginning of a new era.

Even boxers like Natalie Nunnan, though at the beginning of their careers, have already started securing victories in the professional ring, demonstrating that the future of Irish women’s boxing is bright and full of promise. Their performances at national championships and international tournaments, such as the All-Ireland Games or European Championships, testify that Irish boxers are not afraid to compete with the best. Now, when betting on women’s boxing matches at credit card casinos, look for the surnames of Irish athletes and know – where they are, there’s likely to be a victory.

Direction to follow for others

Irish women boxers have not just become part of the sport; they are changing its face. The achievements of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Sinead Kelly, Kellie Harrington, and many others are not just about medals and titles. They symbolize a victory over gender stereotypes, over prejudices, over what seemed impossible. They showcase character, determination, and willpower in a sport traditionally not considered theirs.

Irish women’s boxing has become not just a model to follow in Ireland but for the whole world. This is a story about how opportunity, courage, and talent can change not only a sport but also society, showing that in boxing, as in life, there’s room for everyone willing to fight for their place under the sun.