These 6 Historical Female Boxers Could Hold Their Own In The Ring (And Probably In Life)

Wilkinson was the first well-known female boxer. She was a boxer's wife who is remembered for having the first public women's boxing match in 1722 against Martha Jones. 

Bruising Peg is said to have fought an opponent in 1768 in exchange for a new outfit. 

Saunders and Harland were two variety show dancers who were offered $250 and a silver plate to participate in a boxing match. They started training, participated in the match and left the ring arm in arm. 

The Gordon sisters were dancers who took up boxing. They were commonly seen on vaudeville stages which is where women's boxing matches were held in the 19th century.