July 16, 1979
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