From Undercard to Headliner: Lost Legacies and Hidden Labour in Women’s Boxing

This research, funded by The Leverhulme Trust, marks the first scholarly study of its kind, focusing on the recent history of women's boxing and highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of female boxers.

It draws on queer and feminist theories to explore key concepts such as labour, legacy, and limitations within the sport, examining how these concepts relate to the unique experiences of female boxers.

It uncovers lost legacies and hidden labours in the professionalisation of women’s boxing, exploring how female boxers perceive their work and how it is perceived by others.


The research provides diverse perspectives on women's boxing, offering a nuanced account of the complex realities faced by female athletes. Using an intersectional framework, it delves into the multi-layered challenges female boxers experience in the ring and on social media.