There’s a changing of the guard happening in women’s boxing — and not enough people are talking about it.
Back in March, Lauren Price defeated Natasha Jonas to become the undisputed welterweight champion. Then in July, Katie Taylor edged Amanda Serrano for the third time in another Madison Square Garden main event. These were major nights — high stakes, sold-out arenas, and history on the line.
But beyond the belts and the scorecards, something else is happening: the new generation is coming through younger, sharper, and with more time to dominate.
The Path Is Clearer — But the Platform Still Isn’t
When Katie Taylor and Natasha Jonas turned pro, they were both into their thirties. They’d built legendary amateur careers, but the professional scene simply wasn’t ready when they were in their prime.
Jonas made her debut in 2017. Taylor followed later that year. At the time, women’s boxing was barely a blip on the promotional radar. These women weren’t just fighting opponents — they were fighting for relevance.
Now? Lauren Price turned pro at 27. Caroline Dubois did it even earlier. Skye Nicolson is already a regular on world title undercards. The next generation has a direct path, real promotional backing, and the time to build lasting legacies.
It’s a massive step forward — but the sport’s outdated structure risks holding them back.
Ten-Two Is Not Good Enough
Let’s say it again: ten two-minute rounds are not fit for world title fights.
They limit the tactical side of boxing. They reduce the chances of knockouts. And worst of all, they send the message that women aren’t capable of fighting under the same conditions as men — when we know that’s simply not true.
Top fighters have been calling for change for years. We broke it down last year in this explainer on 3-minute rounds, and it’s still just talk from the administrators.
Even Lauren Price vs. Jonas — one of the most high-profile fights of the year — was fought over ten-twos. The crowd didn’t care. The fighters didn’t ask for it. So who is it really protecting?
If the Fans Are There, Why Isn’t the Pay?
There’s a tired excuse you still hear in some corners: “women’s fights don’t generate enough interest.”
Nonsense.
Taylor and Serrano filled Madison Square Garden. Price and Jonas packed the Royal Albert Hall. The fans are there. The viewing figures are there. The buzz is real.
And yet, the purses rarely reflect it.
We’re not saying every fight should carry seven figures — we’re saying equal footing starts with equal opportunity. If the rounds, formats, and promotional push aren’t there, the financial return never will be.
Until world title fights go 12-threes, and until women are built and sold as main-event material from the start, the pay gap will stay artificially wide.
We’re Building Stars — Now Let Them Shine
What’s exciting is that this generation isn’t just talented — they’re visible.
Lauren Price has now headlined at two iconic venues. Caroline Dubois is being moved like a future superstar. Ellie Scotney, Skye Nicolson, Ramla Ali — the depth is growing.
But none of it matters if the sport keeps holding itself back.
The British Boxing Board of Control still refuses to sanction three-minute rounds. Global sanctioning bodies still treat women’s divisions as an afterthought. And most broadcasters still treat women’s boxing as the warm-up, not the main event.
We’ve covered the structural issues in detail here — and they haven’t gone away. But the fighters? They’re ready now. The question is whether the sport is.
Final Word: The Talent’s Here. The Time Is Now.
Women’s boxing doesn’t need handouts. It doesn’t need charity cards or novelty billing.
It needs proper rounds, proper pay, and proper respect.
The talent pool is deeper than ever. The pathways are finally working. And the fans are already in the building.
So what are we waiting for?
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