1973: Female Boxing Matches Slated in Philadelphia During July

In the Corpus Christi Times, dated June 29, 1973, Page 8, they reported that Spectrum Boxing Director Russell Peltz wanted to put female boxing on a card.  The only problem was is:  Where do you find professional female boxers in 1973?!

According to this article, not only Peltz was on the lookout, but so was his rival promoter Charles “Buddy” Wagner, who had a date in mind of July 23, 1973, and wanted one female bout on the card that would be a four-rounder.

In their search for talent, the two promoters looked at the roller derby stars.   “Trading skates for gloves could be a boon for boxing”, said Peltz.

Peltz went on to say, “One reason the roller games are so big is becuase of the women.”

On a historical landmark State Atty. Gen. Israel Packel nullified on June 11, 1973, a state law barring women boxers and wrestlers from fighting, and the boxing promoters have been competing with each other to find a female that they can bill as the “First woman fighter.”

Little did these two promoters know that in 1973, it was far from being the “first” for a female boxer.  Maybe in Philladelphia, but certainly not in the sport.  In fact it goes back substantially for female boxers entering the ring to fight.

So what you may ask is what did physicians think about women fighting in 1973?  In this article we get a taste of the mentally at this time.  Dr. Alfred Ayells Jr. was reported to have seen three possible breast problems, (blood clots, abscesses and atrophy)—but no significant risk of cancer.

The physicians concern was with the lighter, smaller female skull and jawbone, on which a solid punch could lead to serious injury.

Dr. Ayells, Jr., added though, “But men have their tender parts too–particularly below the belt—and they’ve devised special supporters to protect them from low blows and ruled the are off limits.

Producing such devices for women’s breasts wouldn’t be practica, Dr. Ayella argues.  In order to protect it would be too constricting and awkward to allow serious fighting.

Oh…the things we have truly learned about female boxing, now that we are into 2014!