The World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) has announced that season three will feature women’s boxing in the super featherweight division as eight boxers vie for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Previous winners of the Ali Trophy include undisputed world champions Josh Taylor and Oleksandr Usyk and Japanese hotshot Naoya Inoue.
“It’s been something we have talked about since our inauguration and it gives me great, great pleasure – and us great pleasure at the World Boxing Super Series to announce Season III; the women, the super featherweights,” WBSS chief boxing operator Kalle Sauerland said.
“The sport is an amazing place. Competition is hotter than ever. The super featherweights we feel is a division that has such depth and also allows those in the divisions around it to take part. We feel that this is the time, the right time, women’s boxing has never been this good. We are looking forward to a spectacular season.
“Women’s boxing goes back to a time where it was banned to times where it was non-existing is a male-dominated sport. It goes back to fighting for places on cards to get any sort of attention.
“I remember the first world title fight I promoted for Cecilia Brækhus two decades ago. It took place on an undercard. Cecilia went on to unify the sport and became a headliner in her own right, a national hero, a global ambassador for the sport.”
“Many other greats have also held the flag of female boxing. Going back to Regina Halmich, Jane Couch, Nicola Adams, Holly Holm, Katie Taylor. There are so many. But the opportunity the World Boxing Super Series brings for female boxing is second to none.
“In short, the quest, another quest, for the Muhammad Ali Trophy has begun. The WBSS is back!”
The boxers in the tournament are yet to be announced but the news of a female tournament has already been welcomed.
“I want to send a massive, massive shout-out to the World Boxing Super Series for doing great things for women’s boxing. Massive luck in Season III and good luck to all,” said former five-time world champion Jane Couch.
“This is very good news for women’s boxing,” said former world flyweight champion Regina Halmich. “It was about time that my sport gets more credit. I really believe this will be a great tournament. I’m looking forward to great fights and new superstars.”
Andreas Benz, CEO of WBSS AG, added: “Boxing is and has always been much more than a sport. It is a metaphor for life. The fighters walk into the squared circle with big dreams of winning and glory and sometimes even, a better life. In no other sport is so much at stake.
“In Season I and II we delivered the best tournaments in men’s boxing, but it was always our dream to not only deliver the best tournament in men’s boxing but to prepare a worthy stage for women’s boxing and support these fantastic fighters, too. Now it’s time to realise it!
“It will be much more than the greatest women’s boxing tournament. We plan to strategically help to broaden women’s boxing, both at the grassroots and elite level, and develop a professional environment where talents and profiles can grow and legacies are born.
“As always, the WBSS will do everything to deliver the best fights and productions possible and we are dedicated to entertaining boxing fans around the globe. We can’t wait to turn the lights back on!”
