When you think about boxing, cities like Las Vegas or New York might come to mind, but Spokane, Washington, has a rich and often overlooked history in the sport, particularly when it comes to women’s boxing. Over the years, Spokane has produced many female boxing champions and have even served as a stage for significant events in the world of boxing.
Women’s boxing in Spokane may not have received the attention it deserves, but its significance is undeniable. The sport gained attention nationally, especially after Christy Martin’s performance stole the spotlight from heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in the 1990s. At this moment it helped elevate women’s boxing into the public consciousness, and Spokane was no exception.
Notably, Para Paraley Draine made history by winning the first professional world title for a female boxer from Spokane, marking a significant milestone in that area.
In addition to Draine, several talented female boxers emerged from Spokane, such as Sarah Schmedding who fought in the late 1990s. These women laid the groundwork for the future of female boxing.
Layla McCarter is easily top 5, best lb-4-lb ever in female boxing and a multiple division world champion. [Currently as of 2025, McCarter is an eight-time world champion, multi-hall of famer and more].
From Jenny (Price) Pat Jen Hutchings getting 2nd at Nationals in 1999 and Jillian Shah placing 5th in 2015 U.S. Championships, to Abbi Reck winning multiple national titles as a youth amateur boxer, I’m sad to say, women’s boxing in Spokane doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
Annette Neville won Nationals in 1999 and Jamie Taylor got 3rd. Not “from” Spokane, but fought “for” Spokane, so they deserve a shout out too.
In MMA, Rick Little has a UFC Women’s Champion! Pulled off what some call the “biggest upset in combative sports history!” in Julianna Nicole Peña beating Amanda Nunez!
Rick even had UFC Legend Miesha Tate come train with him for some fights up here in Spokane!
On a funnier side note—the actress Hilary Swank won an Academy Award for playing a boxer (Million Dollar Baby), and Swank lived in Spokane for some odd years!
We even had the first EVER women’s boxing Olympic Trials in Spokane. Queen Underwood of Seattle was the first American to make it to the Olympics in Women’s boxing and earned that accomplishment right here in Spokane.
Spokane also played a pivotal role in the progression of women’s boxing on a broader scale. In February 2012, the city was the hosting ground for the first-ever women’s boxing Olympic Trials. Queen Underwood, a Seattle native, made history by being the first American to qualify for the Olympics in women’s boxing—an achievement celebrated by the entire state of Washington. This event not only showcased local talent but also illustrated Spokane’s commitment to advancing women’s boxing on a national and global platform.
Something in the Spokane water for women in the fight world!
# # # #
Sue TL Fox, “this is a great piece of history of women’s boxing and more that occurred throughout the years in Spokane, Washington. As Chauncy noted that in Spokane, a history-first took place in February 2012, with 24 top amateur female boxers, to compete to be able to be in the Olympics for the first time that took place in London. Also, would like to mention, one of the top current female boxers— eight-time world champion “Amazing” Layla McCarter was honored and awarded on October 6, 2023, by the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada, for now fighting 25 years in the sport!”
Original article Written by Chauncy Welliver/01/24/2024
edited an updated by Sue TL Fox – May 26 2025
About the Author
