KARACHI: After fighting for years to get into the Olympics, female boxers will at last enter the ring at the London Games.
“We just broke down that last barrier, that final guy-only sport,” says U.S. flyweight Marlen Esparza, 23.
NBC analyst Laila Ali, who followed father Muhammad Ali, a 1960 gold medalist, into pro boxing, says she never competed as an amateur because women couldn't aspire to the Olympics. “I'm just happy to see it now,” she says. “Eventually it'll just keep growing.”
August 5th marks a great and historic day for Women’s boxing. It would be truly inspiring to see the vast array of countries participating in the event at its debut. Americans, Canadians, British and even boxers from Africa and Tajikistan are going to compete.
Back in 2009, when the momentous decision was made to include women's boxing at the 2012 Olympic Games, top Cuban Coach Pedro Roque was heard to opine, “Women should be showing off their beautiful faces, not getting punched in the face.”
Former world professional Champion and Olympic silver medallist, Amir Khan, voiced his concern, “When you get hit, it's very painful. Women can get knocked out.”
Despite of these negative responses from male counterparts, women boxers are highly motivated for the game.
“I haven't really thought about being a pioneer that much,” says flyweight Adams, who kicks off her Olympics campaign against either Bulgaria's Stoyka Petrova or Siona Fernandes of New Zealand. “It's just a sport I love doing and it's nice to get the recognition for all the years I've been training. I used to look up to Muhammad Ali. One day kids might look up to me, and what a great feeling that would be.”
Women currently compete in only three weight classes at the Olympics and fight four 2-minute rounds while men have 10 classes and box three 3-minute rounds.
Women's boxing begins Sunday and the gold-medal bouts will be aired on Thursday.
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