Background & Passion for Boxing: Malissa Smith grew up loving boxing, inspired by figures like Muhammad Ali. She got involved in boxing later in life and started training at Gleason’s Gym in her 40s, which led to her academic interest in the sport. Historical Perspective on Women's Boxing: Smith explores the history of women's involvement in boxing, from the time women had to disguise themselves as men to attend matches, to their gradual acceptance in the sport. She wrote "The History of Women's Boxing," the first book covering this topic extensively. Challenges for Women in Boxing: Smith discusses the ongoing struggles women face in boxing, including gender barriers, pay disparities, and the reluctance of promoters to put women on fight cards. She highlights the progress made, such as women's participation in the Olympics starting in 2012. Empowerment Through Boxing: Smith shares how boxing empowered her personally, teaching her to own her power and break free from societal expectations of passivity, which she relates to broader lessons about confidence and assertiveness for women. Advocacy for Equity: Throughout her career, Smith has been committed to promoting equality, not just in boxing but also in her work with the City of New York.
Malissa Smith is an author, women’s boxing historian, and public speaker. She wrote A History of Women’s Boxing, published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2014. It is the first comprehensive history of the sport, which The Ring magazine has dubbed “the bible of women’s boxing.”
Her latest book, The Promise of Women’s Boxing: A Momentous New Era for the Sweet Science, was published in June 2024. The new work provides a timely exploration of modern women’s boxing, from its first inclusion in the 2012 Olympics to today, featuring such trailblazers as Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Claressa Shields, and more. It also features a forward by two-time Olympian and three-time undisputed champion Claressa Shields.
Social Media:
@girlboxingnow (Instagram, Threads, Twitter)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malissa-smith-8a86a1/