What I do
Author
Women’s Boxing Historian
Public Speaker
My name is Malissa Smith.
I am an author, women’s boxing historian, and public speaker.
My love affair with boxing began as a young girl, but wasn’t realized fully until I walked myself into Gleason’s Gym in January of 1997 and began to train.
While I’ve never competed, per se, I have had to test myself beyond my limits to face the truths that come when one lives fully in the moment.
More than anything, boxing has uncaged me and freed my soul bringing me to the other passion in my life, writing.
Connect with me:
Books
The Promise of Women’s Boxing
Publication Date: June 4, 2024, by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Pre-orders are available now!
The Promise of Women’s Boxing: A Momentous New Era for the Sweet Science provides a timely exploration of modern women’s boxing, from its first inclusion in the 2012 Olympics to today, featuring such trailblazers as Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Claressa Shields, and more.
The book details the exciting period from the 2012 Olympics through the true “million-dollar baby” women’s super-fights of 2022 and beyond. Rich in content, the stories that emerge focus on boxing stars new and old, important battles, and the challenges women still face to gain entry onto boxing’s top fight cards and beyond.
The Difference
What if you could have an audience with ten successful humans who have inspired millions of followers around the world to lead more authentic, wholehearted, and expansive lives? What if you could ask these individuals to pinpoint the ONE factor or experience that unleashed the greatest personal transformation in their lives?
Malissa Smith’s essay, How Boxing Uncaged Me, in the new work The Difference: Essays on Loss, Courage, and Personal Transformation is one such exploration. She recounts a lifelong affinity for the sport, but only in picking up the gloves herself was she able to confront her own traumas and fears.
A History of Women’s Boxing
A History Of Women’s Boxing is the first comprehensive history of the sport by author Malissa Smith. The work was published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers in July 2014.
Records of modern female boxing date back to the early eighteenth century in London, and in the 1904 Olympics an exhibition bout between women was held. Yet it was not until the 2012 Olympics—more than 100 years later—that women’s boxing was officially added to the Games. Throughout boxing’s history, women have fought in and out of the ring to gain respect in a sport traditionally considered for men alone. The stories of these women are told for the first time in this comprehensive work dedicated to women’s boxing.
Girlboxing Blog
The Girlboxing blog has been a labor of love since my first post on October 10, 2010. Supporting women in boxing is why I continue to write pieces representing the wit and wisdom of the ring
Recent Media Appearances
Author and Women’s Boxing Historian Malissa Smith interview on Button Adventures Goat Vlog, December 7, 2023
Author and Women’s Boxing Historian Malissa Smith interview on Tell Us About That boxing podcast, January 18, 2024.
Author and Women’s Boxing Historian Malissa Smith Interview with Women’s Boxing Wales, Women’s Boxing Historian, Part 1: 1700-1920, May 1, 2023