Ranking Women’s Boxing’s Best Pound-for-Pound – Claressa Shields and More

Recently, I put a list of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world together. That list was exclusively for the men, but now it’s all about the finest ladies in boxing in 2021.

The presence of women’s boxing pound-for-pound greats has helped its popularity in the modern era.

Fighters such as Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields are among the big names, but there are also a few that probably don’t get the respect they deserve.

Rating the best female boxers in the world is a tough task. Cutting the list down to just ten is even tougher.

Let’s start by looking at ten to six in my rankings.

There are plenty of fighters that will be vying to crack the top ten of the pound-for-pound best in 2022.

That, of course, means that these ladies will need to keep up the good work if they are to be recognized among the elite female fighters in the business.

As you can see, there are some very impressive records among the lower half of boxing’s top female pound-for-pound fighters.

WBO female middleweight titlist Savannah Marshall is a bright star in the world of women’s pugilism.

The current champ defeated fellow Brit Hannah Rankin in October 2020 to become a world champion for the first time. At 30, the Hartlepool-native still has plenty in the tank.

Seniesa Estrada won the WBO female junior-flyweight title in her 21st straight victory by outpointing Tenkai Tsunami in June.

The American will also be looking for bigger and brighter things to come inside the ropes.

Although Cecilia Brækhus failed to capture the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO, and inaugural The Ring female welterweight straps against Jessica McCaskill, she comes in at #7 on this list.

The Norwegian, who turned 40 in September, has not yet announced finite plans to walk away from the sport.

WBO female super featherweight titlist Mikaela Mayer and current IBF female super featherweight champion Chantelle Cameron round things off at 7th and 6th, respectively.

A ferocious, relentless fighter, Belgium’s Persoon makes fifth on my list of the best pound-for-pound fighters in women’s boxing.

Although the police officer ultimately came up short in her two world title fights against Katie Taylor, some believe she deserved to take at least one of them.

Known for her guts, heart, and pressure style, Persoon is a handful for anyone. Other than Taylor, her only loss came by way of a knockout to Zelda Tekin in 2010.

It would be an oversight to suggest that the Belgian has not seen her profile skyrocket since the fights against the Irishwoman. 43 of her first 44 fights were fought in small arenas in her homeland with the only exception being a WBC title defense against Nicole Boss in Switzerland.

Her first bout against “KT” was fought inside the confines of the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York. Again, things didn’t go her way, but what a performance it was. The same could be said about the rematch.

WHAT A FIGHT! ?#TaylorPersoon pic.twitter.com/o4SmbhQoGF

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) June 2, 2019

Persoon outpointed Elena Gradinar in July to win the WBO Intercontinental super featherweight title.

She has her heart set on a third fight with Taylor, and if she keeps winning, she could get her wish.

McCaskill makes #4 on my list of the best female pound-for-pound boxers in 2021.

The American, who was homeless as a child, overcame many demons to get where she is today. The greatest welterweight in women’s boxing is a walking rags to riches story in this sport given the hardships and struggles she has overcome.

Although many fighters have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and suffered from poverty, the American’s story is poignant.

Rather than make excuses for her future, she turned a highly unfortunate upbringing into the fuel required to succeed at the top of the game.

Known for her toughness and highly effective style, McCaskill has earned a multitude of honors in the ring.

She’s not quite done yet, either. Let’s see what 2022 brings for “CasKILLA.”

Depending on how you see things, Serrano might be the best pound-for-pound boxer in the women’s game.

Although she has her haters, her resume is stellar. For example, her world titles in more than four weight classes make her the only female and Puerto Rican to do so. Her nine major titles in seven different weight classes are also a Guinness World Record.

With serious pop in her fists, Serrano is known for her deadly ability inside the ropes. An archetypal Puerto Rican boxer, she is all about pressure and backing her opponents up before punishing them with a wide array of shots.

A potential fight between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor is reported to be in the works for as early as 2022. That would be the biggest fight in women’s boxing history, with the winner surely taking the place as the best on the planet.

With a record of 41-1, Serrano continues to keep the torch lit for women’s boxing.

A true great.

Shields is a machine.

Although she is ranked by many as the best of the best female pound-for-pound boxers in the world, she makes #2 on my list.

The American has recently transitioned to MMA, hooking up with the top PFL fighters in an effort to establish herself inside the cage. There is no doubt that Shields’ best qualities can be found inside the squared circle, however.

The junior middleweight and middleweight undisputed queen defends her WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring straps against Slovenia’s unbeaten Ema Kozin in December.

The fight, which is set for the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Liam Williams undercard, is going to be another chance for her to shine.

Tale of the tape. pic.twitter.com/CmJyJ7p8fp

— MartialBot (@martialbot) November 17, 2021

The two-time Olympic gold medalist is looking to win her 12th consecutive bout in Cardiff, Wales, and the top boxing betting apps are all in favor of another lopsided victory.

Depending on that result, as well as that of the fighter above her on my list of the top P4P female boxers, Shields could assert herself as the best woman in the boxing game by the end of this year.

Taylor is women’s pound-for-best in boxing right now.

While Conor McGregor was Ireland’s greatest combat sports export until recently, Taylor has surpassed him as the premier fighter from Éirinn.

And quite rightly so.

Apart from their nationality, Taylor and McGregor are opposites. While “The Notorious” continues to lose support in his homeland, Katie’s reputation goes from strength to strength. A model professional with respect, humility, and kindness, she is a true inspiration to her compatriots.

More than this, Taylor is an icon for aspiring young boxers around the world. She leads by example and continues to prove herself as the consummate fighter.

The native of Bray in Wicklow, Ireland has taken the world by storm since signing to Matchroom following a highly impressive career in the amateurs.

Her record in the paid ranks stands at 19-0, which she is hoping to make a perfect 20 when she meets Firuza Sharipova in Liverpool in December.

The undisputed lightweight champion is the consensus pound-for-pound best female boxer in 2021. Although she has had a couple of close shaves — and arguably a loss to Delphine Persoon — there is no woman in the world better than “The Bray Bomber” today.

That’s my list of the leading pound-for-pound women’s boxers in 2021.

Of course, there’s a chance that you might disagree with some of my ratings. If that is the case, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section, below.

Feel free to leave me your top ten P4P women’s boxers and I’ll do my best to get back to you.

In the meantime, why not check out the latest odds, recommended bets, views, and insight on our boxing blog?

I’ll leave you with one of our popular pieces to take a look at. Considering Claressa Sheilds wants a piece of Jake Paul, it might be of interest!

Early Odds for Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury With Analysis

Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury odds are out for a fight likely to go down at some point in December. The YouTuber is finally set to test himself against a boxer, with the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champ Tyson getting the gig.  The bout has yet to be...

Read More