More Boxing

The 1970s was the decade of the Women's Rights Movement.  There was the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).  And Title IX (prohibits discrimination of the basis of sex in education programs receiving federal financial assistance).  

And some women wanted the right to box.  What?  Participate in the "manly art of self-defense?"  Get punched in the face?  That's right.  

The New York State Athletic Commission, located in New York City, controls the sport of boxing in the State.  Women in the 1970s were barred from boxing.  Men of course were not.  

Three women, Cathy Davis, Jackie Tonawanda and Marian Trimiar, sued the Commission to obtain licenses to box.  They argued that they were being discriminated against based upon their sex.  

Somehow, I communicated the fact that I personally supported the women's right to box and against the Commission's denial of that right.  Perhaps a letter to the editor of The New York Times?  I believe in equality of opportunity.

One night while relaxing at home, I received a phone call from a representative of the Commission.  Not sure how he got my home number.  Maybe the White Pages of the phone book?  

He asked how it would look for women to get bloody noses from boxing.  I responded that if it is okay for men to get bloody noses, it would be okay for women, too.  End of call.  

The three woman settled their case and received licenses to box in New York State.  And did box professionally.

In March 1995, I along with many others went to Holy Cross High School in Queens to watch the opening rounds of that years Golden Gloves (amateur boxing) tournament.  It featured a match between the first women (Taneasha Harris and Lisa Long) participants in the New York City Golden Gloves.  

Another boxer there that night was Kathy Collins who won her contest.  She went on to a successful professional career of twenty fights, losing only twice (both by split decisions).  Her final fight (in 2001) against Cristy Martin was in historic Madison Square Garden (on the undercard).

On April 30 (15 days ago), at the same Madison Square Garden, Katie Taylor of Ireland fought Puerto Rico's Amanda Serrano for the World's Lightweight championship before a sold out crowd (more than 19,000 fans).  They (the two women) were the main event, which was a first at that historic venue.  

According to The New York Times, "boxing observers immediately suggesting it was the fight of the year - without qualification."    

Serrano said, "That's all I wanted to do - to show that women can fight.  I'm so excited that girls have two great role models they can look up to."

Big change in 50 years.