New South Wales (NSW) has lifted the 22-year ban on competitive women’s boxing. The concern has always been for the women’s health relating to a sport designed to cause bodily harm. The other side of the argument is that there are many sports where bodily harm is common and unavoidable (rugby, soccer and hockey). With the ban lifted, female competitors will no longer have to relocate to pursue their dream.
NSW Sports Minister, Kevin Greene, has acknowledged that there will always be people who think that women should not be involved in such sports, but says, “ these days, most people believe women should have the right to make their own judgments on the issue.”
Here is a video of the first match since 1986, featuring Kaye Scott vs. Romona Stephenson.