Alicia Baumgardner Set to Battle at Madison Square Garden
As Alicia Baumgardner prepares to step into the ring at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, her opponent, Korean boxer Bo Mi Le Shin, won’t be the only challenge she faces in her quest for the women’s super featherweight title. The fight also symbolizes a broader struggle for gender equality within the sport.
Advocating for Equality in Boxing
Baumgardner is an advocate for harmonizing rules for female and male fighters in boxing. Ahead of Friday’s showdown, she expressed her commitment to evolving the sport. “As you grow as an individual and a face of a sport like boxing, it’s important to find ways to effect change,” she stated. This fight provides her with an opportunity to showcase her identity both in and out of the ring.
Disparities in Match Length
Currently, men’s prize fights typically consist of 12 three-minute rounds, whereas women usually fight 10 two-minute rounds. Baumgardner argues that women should fight for the same duration, emphasizing how crucial every minute is. “You might think one extra minute doesn’t matter, but it can make all the difference when setting traps in the ring,” she explained. “Boxing is a strategic game akin to chess—having that additional time allows me to execute my strategies more effectively.”
The Business of Boxing
The financial landscape of boxing is closely tied to visibility and recognition. Boxers who can generate significant attention typically land bigger matches and, consequently, more lucrative paychecks. Baumgardner is keenly aware of how perceptions surrounding women’s matches might restrict her earning potential and is determined to combat that narrative.
Support from Promoters
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-founded by Jake Paul, is one of Baumgardner’s key promoters. Paul, a figure known for advocating improved pay within the boxing and mixed martial arts arenas, is also committed to elevating women’s sports. In April 2022, MVP organized the first women’s match to headline Madison Square Garden, featuring Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
Strategic Partnerships
Baumgardner’s match with Singh will mark MVP’s inaugural U.S. boxing event under a new contract with ESPN. Her decision to sign with Paul was partly driven by MVP’s focus on equality for female athletes and recognition of women as serious business players in the industry. “Boxing is a sport that favors the fittest; you must prioritize yourself and align with those who will support your growth,” she commented on her approach to collaboration.
Plans for Future Matches
Looking ahead, Baumgardner is aware that significant matches play a crucial role in advancing her business interests. She acknowledges Paul’s behind-the-scenes efforts to facilitate a high-profile bout against Amanda Serrano, the unified featherweight champion. Recently, unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois also expressed interest in a fight with Baumgardner after her victory over Terry Harper.
Time and Motivation Drive Baumgardner
Baumgardner is acutely aware of the importance of time—both in the ring and in her career trajectory. She is determined to demonstrate that she can compete on the same level as men, and her upcoming fight at “The World’s Most Famous Arena” will be broadcast nationally, giving her a platform to further her message of empowerment. “Women are often boxed into specific roles; when challenged, they can prove their capabilities, and that’s a powerful moment of self-belief for us all,” she stated in a powerful affirmation of her goals and aspirations.
