Malissa Smith is the author of A History of Women’s Boxing, the first comprehensive narrative of the sport that The Ring magazine dubbed “The Bible of Women's Boxing.” Smith speaks and writes frequently about the sport and maintains positions in boxing as a founding board member of the IWBHF, an elector for the IBHOF, and as a member of the The Ring’s women’s ratings panel. She trains at the world-renowned Gleason’s Gym and writes pieces for her blog, www.Girlboxing.org. Learn more at malissa-smith.com.

Smith is a respected women’s boxing historian whose debut, History of Women’s Boxing (2014), might be described as a first-round must-read. This follow-up is a second-round winner. Divided into three time periods, Smith acknowledges setbacks for the sport but centers on talented and skilled women boxers who have led the charge for its fast growth. She credits the debut of women’s boxing at the 2012 Olympic Games, the first induction of women into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, its procurement of main-event status at Madison Square Garden, and the emergence of WWE female superstars as key events for elevating the sport. Smith examines issues ranging from the pros and cons of amateur vs. professional boxing, two-minute vs. three-minute rounds, and pay equity. Among the boxers featured are flyweight champion Marlen Esparza, Irish professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor, and two-time Olympic Gold medalist Claressa Shields, who also penned the forward for the book. A well-researched and vital contribution to sports collections that honor the athletes who have proven they deserve respect and belong in the boxing ring.

Malissa Smith is the author of A History of Women’s Boxing, the first comprehensive narrative of the sport that The Ring magazine dubbed “The Bible of Women's Boxing.” Smith speaks and writes frequently about the sport and maintains positions in boxing as a founding board member of the IWBHF, an elector for the IBHOF, and as a member of the The Ring’s women’s ratings panel. She trains at the world-renowned Gleason’s Gym and writes pieces for her blog, www.Girlboxing.org. Learn more at malissa-smith.com.

Smith is a respected women’s boxing historian whose debut, History of Women’s Boxing (2014), might be described as a first-round must-read. This follow-up is a second-round winner. Divided into three time periods, Smith acknowledges setbacks for the sport but centers on talented and skilled women boxers who have led the charge for its fast growth. She credits the debut of women’s boxing at the 2012 Olympic Games, the first induction of women into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, its procurement of main-event status at Madison Square Garden, and the emergence of WWE female superstars as key events for elevating the sport. Smith examines issues ranging from the pros and cons of amateur vs. professional boxing, two-minute vs. three-minute rounds, and pay equity. Among the boxers featured are flyweight champion Marlen Esparza, Irish professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor, and two-time Olympic Gold medalist Claressa Shields, who also penned the forward for the book. A well-researched and vital contribution to sports collections that honor the athletes who have proven they deserve respect and belong in the boxing ring.

Malissa Smith is the author of A History of Women’s Boxing, the first comprehensive narrative of the sport that The Ring magazine dubbed “The Bible of Women's Boxing.” Smith speaks and writes frequently about the sport and maintains positions in boxing as a founding board member of the IWBHF, an elector for the IBHOF, and as a member of the The Ring’s women’s ratings panel. She trains at the world-renowned Gleason’s Gym and writes pieces for her blog, www.Girlboxing.org. Learn more at malissa-smith.com.

Smith is a respected women’s boxing historian whose debut, History of Women’s Boxing (2014), might be described as a first-round must-read. This follow-up is a second-round winner. Divided into three time periods, Smith acknowledges setbacks for the sport but centers on talented and skilled women boxers who have led the charge for its fast growth. She credits the debut of women’s boxing at the 2012 Olympic Games, the first induction of women into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, its procurement of main-event status at Madison Square Garden, and the emergence of WWE female superstars as key events for elevating the sport. Smith examines issues ranging from the pros and cons of amateur vs. professional boxing, two-minute vs. three-minute rounds, and pay equity. Among the boxers featured are flyweight champion Marlen Esparza, Irish professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor, and two-time Olympic Gold medalist Claressa Shields, who also penned the forward for the book. A well-researched and vital contribution to sports collections that honor the athletes who have proven they deserve respect and belong in the boxing ring.