The boxing ring has in the past seen the likes of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Joe Frazier, Azumah Nelson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya captivate boxing fans with thrills and chills.

There have been some iconic bouts like the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ and ‘The Fight of the Century’ which have shaped boxing culture and left an indelible mark in the history of the sport.

Among these great men who have dominated the ring in the past and recent times, the same cannot be said of female boxers who are equally talented and are ready to showcase their boxing prowess.

The marginalisation and low participation of women in boxing has become a major issue around the world, threatening equal participation in sports, which contradicts the objectives of the United Nations International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity, and Sport, revised in 2015.

The charter explicitly states that “Everyone has the right to participate and be involved at all levels, including decision-making, and that this right must be actively enforced for women and girls.”

This article unravels the plight and stereotypes faced by a Ghanaian female boxer who has always dreamt of leaving her mark in the boxing ring just like other male boxing legends.

Despite the several obstacles faced by female boxers both in and outside the ring, Trudy Manteaw has remained optimistic about her chances in the sport and wants to use the platform to inspire more young female boxers.

With trailblazer Yarkor Chavez Annan, Ghana’s first female professional boxer, paving the way in the past, Trudy is determined to make her name in the sport and showcase her potential and skills as well as win world titles.

Journey

For many female boxers around the world, taking up a sport which is often dominated by men could be a very difficult decision, and they probably have to defy the odds to become successful.

Trudy says she was a passionate boxing fan, having followed the exploits of legendary Ghanaian boxers Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey, just to mention a few.

She says she picked boxing as a career as she challenged herself both physically and mentally, aspiring to be like the aforementioned boxing legends.

“The journey has been tough, but with every win or setback, I learn something new about myself and the sport and why I should work even harder to attain my dream of becoming a top boxing star,” she said.

According to Trudy Manteaw, who started her journey of becoming a top boxer 10 years ago, aspiring female boxers have found it tough to find a way in the male-dominated industry.

“As female boxers in Ghana, sometimes we face many challenges and sometimes discouragement from people who don’t believe women should be in the ring.

“But I am determined to prove them wrong and pave the way for other women because many young ladies out there can do sports, especially boxing, but the way people talk against us is as if we are not capable of bringing medals as the men do.”

Manteaw, who is undefeated in her professional career, says the few female boxers in the scene make it difficult to get in the ring, and even when they do, they are often used for curtain raisers and exhibitions.

“I feel like a champion anytime I step in the ring, but I just don’t get enough opportunities in the ring to prove my worth because of the limited female boxers we have in the boxing industry,” she disclosed.

Fear factor

One major setback of women’s boxing could be the lack of interest among young prospects who might feel there are not enough opportunities in the sport.

Boxing consultant Yoofi Booham says it is a difficult task to convince some females to get involved in the sport of boxing considering the physical demands.

However, he states that there are numerous opportunities in the sport for females, especially those who want to go professional but most often struggle to get the right trainers.

“I have seen a couple of female boxers who are fearless and anxious to pursue a career in boxing, but I think more has to be done by boxing authorities to support these talented boxers.

“Women’s professional boxing is largely active across the world, with many making millions of dollars, so we have to get more females involved in the sport, and the Ghana Boxing Authority could pursue this course to unearth many boxing talent.” Mr. Booham told the Ghana News Agency.

Way forward

Mr. Roger Barnor, the acting president of the Ghana Boxing Authority, feels a lot has to be done to unearth the massive potential of female boxers in the country.

He says this would take many females off the streets and give them a purpose in life and fight for world titles for the country.

“I have taken it upon myself to create vast opportunities for female boxers because there is massive potential in the country, and we have to nurture their talent,” he said.

“The market is big for female boxers to ply their trade professionally outside the country. Creating these opportunities has the potential of taking many women off the streets and out of disadvantageous places.

“So, we have to adopt the ‘catch them young’ policy for female boxers, and this is something I have already pursued, with 15 girls currently being nurtured,” he told the Ghana News Agency.

Veteran boxer Michael ‘Ayittey Powers’ Okine says one way to promote women’s boxing in the country is to have more promotions so that they can have more fights.

“I have been to some gyms, and you will be amazed with the number of talented female boxers we have, and if we can hold more promotions for them, they can go far.

“I believe women can also bring world titles just like the men. I urge the government to put more efforts in that, and I think it could be a game changer not only for men but also for women,” said Ayittey Powers in an interview.

Trudy Manteaw also called on the government to prioritise female boxers who want to pursue a career professionally or nurture young ones especially for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Ghana, like many other countries around the world, has numerous female boxing prospects who are eager to make their mark on boxing history, and the world must provide them with an equal platform to showcase their abilities as men. –GNA