By Gill Bikram Singh 
The Royal Albert Hall, an iconic venue with a century-long history of hosting boxing matches, witnessed a historic moment as an all-female card headlined the event for the first time. Lauren Price dominated Natasha Jonas in the main event, while Caroline Dubois and Karen Artingsall delivered impressive performances, highlighting the growing depth of women’s boxing.
A Milestone, but Challenges Remain
The event, held just before International Women’s Day, showcased the sport’s progress, but concerns linger about sustaining momentum. Former world champion Hannah Rankin believes women’s boxing failed to capitalize on the buzz from the Shields vs. Marshall showdown in 2022.
“There was a real opportunity there, but when big-time boxing moved to Saudi Arabia, it slowed down the whole trajectory,” Rankin said.
Saudi Arabia continues to host high-profile men’s bouts, while women’s boxing has largely been sidelined. The upcoming Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy, set to stream on Netflix in June, offers a chance to boost global visibility. However, the key question remains: How can women’s boxing cement its place in the UK?
Debate Over All-Female Cards
Despite the success of all-female events, Rankin remains unconvinced.
“This might be controversial, but I’m just not a fan of all-female cards,” she said, arguing that mixed-gender cards could attract more widespread interest.
She also emphasized the importance of promoting local fighters, citing examples like Ellie Scotney, whose recent bouts have been staged away from her home city.
“If women aren’t getting opportunities in Saudi, let us be the champions at home and bring the crowds here,” she added.
The Role of Self-Promotion
Beyond talent, Rankin stressed the need for female fighters to market themselves effectively.
“Boxing is 50% talent and 50% entertainment,” she said. “Female fighters have to take ownership—be active on social media, speak up in press conferences, engage with their communities.”
Caroline Dubois is among those embracing this approach. Her bold statements in the lead-up to her latest fight demonstrated an understanding of the sport’s entertainment factor.
The Future of Women’s Boxing
Key developments, such as the introduction of British title fights for women and ongoing debates over adopting three-minute rounds, show progress. Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White’s partnership with Saudi organizers for a new boxing league could bring fresh opportunities.
Considering that women’s boxing was banned in the UK until 1998, the current landscape is a testament to how far the sport has come. The recent event at the Royal Albert Hall was a landmark moment—now, the challenge is ensuring it’s not just a one-off success, but a catalyst for long-term growth.