1979: First Sanctioned Female bout in New York – Gladys Smith Wins by Unanimous decision over Toni Tucker

The First “official” women’s match took place on July 16, 1979, in New York City, New York, between Toni Tucker vs. Gladys Smith.  Both of the weighed in at about 155 lbs.  As one reporter said, “The novelty brought a packed house—three times the usual crowd—and reports with photos.”

This fight was published in the New York Post, and the Daily News.  In a not exciting bout over six 3-minute rounds.  Smith won the bout by a unanimous decision.

This was confirmed in Jet Magazine, that was documented in the August 23, 1979 issue.  They said the following:  Lady Boxers Debut in New York, “Bam” Smith Wins Decision.  “By all accounts, it wasn’t much of a fight. But it was enought for Gladys “Bam” Smith, a 21-year old mother of two, to get into the history books.  As a party to New York State’s first female boxing match, she won a unanimous six-round decision over Toni “Leatherneck” Tucker.”

It went on to say, “According to one ringsider, who watched the Newark mom record her victory, the 160-pound slugger ‘Fights like George Foreman.’  Ms. Smith added that she only spent one day in the gym sparring.”  She went on to say but that she had it in her heart to win and she did it.

According to the article, they said that Tucker was a martial arts student and a native of Brooklyn, and said that she just ran out of gas.  During her non-boxing hours, Tucker heads up a team called the Magnificent 10 subway patrol.
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