Thread got wrecked when I tried to post. Basically, I’d say objectification is problematic in general. In the 1970s and 1980s female boxers struggled against “foxy boxing” nights at strip clubs and topless boxing porn (mail-order in #boxing mags). https://twitter.com/dmrx03/status/1290406679394136065

As a result, legitimate female boxing was deemed substandard if the women didn’t act/dress/look certain ways. It became a qualification beyond actual boxing skill.

Things have changed, but the same spotlight that shines on men still isn’t enjoyed by women. @SulemUrbina and @EbanieBridges have been vocal about using sex appeal. Their body, their decision. They understand the women’s boxing market better than I ever will.

On the other side of the debate, should #boxing celebrate objectification? We still have bikini-clad, high-heel wearing women reminding folks of the round. The sport still has a long way to go in terms on equality.

Where things get incredibly problematic is when sex appeal is basically required by male promoters in order to get on their cards. It’s not as common now as in the 70s and 80s but it’s not entirely gone.

I’m not for or against female boxers using their looks/beauty/bodies to help with marketing. But sex appeal - based on some market-oriented definition of beauty or ideal femininity - should not be a prerequisite for any athlete to be successful. It shouldn’t be a barrier.

I realize this is idealistic and won’t ever be fully achieved - but it’s still something worth striving for in general. I think #boxing is trending in a constructive direction these days.