Women’s Boxing: Do the Rounds Matter?

International Women’s Day got the boxing world buzzing — and rightly so. Female fighters are breaking barriers left and right, headlining major cards and putting on absolute clinics. But one question still lingers in the background like a stubborn corner cut: why are women still fighting two-minute rounds? In 2024, is that really the best we can do?

A Quick History Lesson

Trailblazers like Barbara Buttrick and Cathy “Cat” Davis were throwing jabs long before women’s boxing had a platform. They paved the way for future champions and helped legitimise the sport — but even now, the rules don’t match the respect the fighters have earned.

The Olympic Format and Its Limits

Since women’s boxing debuted at the 2012 London Olympics, it’s been locked into a two-minute round format. That stuck around as the standard — even in professional fights. But why? The go-to explanation is “safety,” though plenty of women spar three-minute rounds in the gym without issue — often against men.

Amanda Serrano: Taking a Stand

Earlier this year, Amanda Serrano made headlines by vacating her WBC belt, refusing to be limited to two-minute rounds. It wasn’t about ego — it was about principle. Serrano believes if women train like men, hit like men, and draw crowds like men, they should fight like men too.

So, What’s the Hold-Up?

Promoters, medical advisors, and sanctioning bodies haven’t landed on the same page. Some argue that longer rounds increase injury risk. Others — like Serrano — say it’s outdated thinking that needs to evolve. Either way, this isn’t just about time on the clock. It’s about equality, opportunity, and visibility.

Why It Matters

Let’s be real: more time means more action, more drama, and more potential for knockouts. That means better fights, higher stakes, and more fans tuning in. If women’s boxing is going to stand shoulder to shoulder with the men’s game, then it deserves the same format — no asterisks, no exceptions.

Looking Ahead: Change in the Air?

Serrano’s stand might just be the catalyst the sport needs. But real change won’t come from one fighter — it’s going to take pressure from fans, media, and fighters alike. If enough people demand it, the sport will evolve.

Final Word

Two-minute rounds might have been the norm for decades, but the sport has outgrown them. With elite fighters like Amanda Serrano pushing for reform, the conversation is shifting. Women’s boxing doesn’t need protecting — it needs parity. The fighters are ready. The fans are ready. The question now is: are the governing bodies ready to catch up?