What women say about women in boxing
Stabroek News
June 1, 2004
Stabroek Sports' reporter Clyde Pestano sought the views of some women who were a part of the audience last Saturday night at the National Park to witness the world title fight between Guyana's Gwendolyn O'Neil and American Kathy Rivers. Here are some of their comments...
Carleen Langford
UG International Relations student
"I am not so sure boxing is very dangerous to women providing they can protect themselves when they are in the ring. Protecting oneself is part of the game and when a woman goes into the ring she should be able to protect herself as much as possible from serious injury.
"I would not take up boxing but if any woman wants to box, why not?
Angeline Dyer
"Their successes might in fact advance the cause for women's rights. Fact is, if women feel they want to fight and can represent themselves why should we stop them from doing what they want. No one tells men whether they should stop or continue boxing and so why tell women?
"This fight may in fact make a case for women's rights and could be seen as a plus for Guyanese women and more so women everywhere. It just might motivate some women to achieve goals they may have set themselves towards the sport of boxing. The most important factor though is the issue of choice and so if women choose to become boxers then we must respect their decision."
Angeline Dyer
National netball player
"I think boxing may be dangerous to women because they can probably get breast cancer after being hit in their breasts by punches.
"Apart from that women like looking good especially face wise and hits to their faces may damage their features.
"I would not take up the sport of boxing because it involves too much body contact.
"Gwendolyn O'Neil I think has inspired a lot of women to get involved in boxing. "Many Guyanese women now seem to be taking up the sport because of what she has achieved so far.
In fact she may have opened the floodgates for women in this country as well as elsewhere who want to become boxers. She has become a sort of role model and her exploits have made other women more brave allowing them to face up to the serious challenge that is boxing."
Elizabeth Taylor - Boxing
fan
"Well I think when women step into the ring they should be careful to protect themselves because it is a contact sport. I know women like to look beautiful so they will also want to protect their faces from too many blows and punches.
"But seriously though, most women I know who box, do it for the fun and entertainment it brings to them and their fans.
"O'Neil is our best female fighter so far and she has a far way to go yet. I would urge men to give support and encouragement to our women when they step into the ring."
Sister Annette - Boxing enthusiast
"I like the idea of women fighting in the boxing ring. With the popularity of women's boxing on the up I think more of them will come out and fight.
A lot of our women boxers have potential to become world champs not only in the heavyweight division but the other weight categories. I feel though that they need support and encouragement along the way."