Panamerican Boxing Confederation Celebrates International Women’s Day: Honoring the Strength and Leadership of Women in the Ring and Beyond

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – On this International Women’s Day, Panamerican Boxing Confederation (PBC) proudly celebrates the immense contributions of women across the Americas who continue to shape the future of Olympic-style boxing. From the grassroots gyms to the international stage, women are driving the sport forward as elite athletes, dedicated coaches, world-class officials, and visionary leaders.

PBC remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where gender parity is not just a goal, but a standard, ensuring that every woman across our member nations has a clear pathway to excellence.

The Athlete Perspective - Setting the Pace:

Tamm Thibeault, PBC Athlete Committee Chair (Canada): "The evolution of women’s Olympic boxing has turned a dream into a world-class standard of excellence. To me, it’s about the discipline of the grind and the pride of representing something bigger than myself. We aren’t just participating anymore; we are setting the pace for the next generation of women to follow."

Jajaira Gonzalez, PBC Athlete Committee Member (USA): "Women’s Olympic boxing isn’t just progress in sport, it’s proof that strength, skill, and heart have never belonged to just one gender and it shows what happens when women refuse to stay on the sidelines. I’m honored to be a part of a generation fighting to keep the door open for the next!"

Voices of Leadership and Inspiration:

Elise Seignolle, PBC President (USA): "Across our Confederation, women play an essential role in the life and development of our sport as athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, and leaders. On International Women’s Day, we recognize their dedication, professionalism, and passion for boxing. I am personally grateful to be surrounded and supported by so many talented women whose commitment strengthens our community and inspires future generations across our region.”

Amabelis Camano, PBC Treasurer (Panama): "Women's boxing is not about women infringing upon a men's sport. It's about recognizing that strength, discipline, and courage have never been unique to men."

Kathy Harper-Hall, PBC Board Member (Barbados): "Since Women boxing was introduced in London in 2012, in my opinion, despite the challenges and controversies, the global recognition and increasing popularity can be considered as a definite win for women boxers."

Paula Avakian, PBC Sport & Competition Committee Member (Brazil): "Beyond the medals and records, the evolution of women’s boxing carries a deeper meaning. Each new Olympic category, each athlete stepping into the ring, and each international competition with growing female participation represents a step toward greater equality in sport. For young girls around the world, these athletes provide powerful examples that boxing—and high-performance sport more broadly—is a space where they belong."

A Growing Legacy

Today also coincides with the opening day of the World Boxing U19 Futures Cup in Bangkok, where young Panamerican women are currently competing for their spot on the road to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Their presence in the ring today is a living testament to the progress celebrated this International Women’s Day.

About Panamerican Boxing Confederation (PBC):

Panamerican Boxing Confederation is the governing body for amateur and Olympic-style boxing in the Americas, dedicated to the development, governance, and promotion of the sport across its member National Federations.

Media contact: communication@panamericanboxing.org