As early as 1974 – They ran a poll of Female Boxers to be included in the Olympics!

Who Would Have thought that 39 years  as of 2013, ago Boxing Illustrated Magazine would have run an ad to find out how the public felt about women boxers participating in the Olympics –  December 1974! (Copyrighted by Boxing Illustrated Magazine, December 1974. ) 

FOR THE CAUSE OF WOMEN BOXERS – DECEMBER 1974

It is becoming more and more apparent there is a growing participation interest in women’’ boxing-—to only in the United States but also in England, Europe and the Far east. With the 1976 Olympics scheduled for Montreal less than two years away, we have been getting numerous queries on the possibility of girl athletes putting on the gloves for gold, silver, and bronze medals. Though time is against such an innovation for the forthcoming Olympiad, it is conceivable Lord Killanin and his International Olympics Committee would review the feasibility of admitting girl boxers for the 1980 edition. Now don’t start writing heated letters accusing BOXING ILLUSTRATED of championing an Olympic shot for girl battlers.

This magazine is solidly neutral on the issue but we are curious on world opinion regarding giving women boxers a chance to do their thing in the epitome of all amateur competition.

Please bear in mind that before such a sport could even be considered the respective countries involved would have to adopt an amateur program adhering to all the Olympic’s rules and regulations. Such as undertaking requires money, time, coaches and most important, competition.

With the exception of Thailand and possibility Japan, BOXING ILLUSTRATED is unaware of a national supervised program for girl boxers. Certainly none exists in the United States, Canada or Europe.

People boosting girl boxing naturally will strongly stress the fact women’s sports participation in the Olympics includes such established events as track, swimming, rowing, skeet, shooting, equestrian, and archery among others. Maybe they have a point.

Boxing Illustrated has placed a coupon on this page to gauge your reaction. Space doesn’t not permit room for your comments but we would appreciate it if you care to detail your thoughts in a letter. Otherwise just vote “Yes or “No.” The coupon will run for several months and when we get the final results we will quickly pass it on to you. Whether it’s negative or positive, mail your opinion…