Who will be the breakout star of women's boxing in 2022?
By Oli Dickson Jefford
After a fantastic 12 months of boxing in 2021, 2022 looks set to deliver just as many thrills and spills inside the ring.
While the biggest names look set to star as always, it is always intriguing to keep an eye out on who could break through and make a real name for themselves.
Here are a handful of promising talents who could be the breakout star of women’s boxing this year.
Sandy Ryan
Sandy Ryan is a fairly late newcomer to the pro game, but the 28-year-old comes in after a promising amateur career which saw her win Commonwealth gold and world silver.
After a points victory on her pro debut in July last year, there were more convincing displays in October and December as she knocked out both Aleksandra Vujovic and Maria Soledad Capriolo.
Under the wing of Eddie Hearn and his Matchroom Sports, Ryan is next set to fight on the 12 March on the Leigh Wood v Michael Conlan undercard.
With impressive punching power and a composed demeanour in the ring, the super lightweight from Derby could see her profile raise dramatically in the coming months with a run of strong performances.
Caroline Dubois
After missing the opportunity to make her pro debut last year due to illness, Caroline Dubois looks set to make a big impact in 2022.
In a stellar amateur career, the 21-year-old lost just three times in 40 bouts, and won a Youth Olympic gold medal in 2018 as well as BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2019.
Dubois relies less on power and more on skill, with her movement considered exceptional and the fact she fights as a southpaw, despite being right-handed, means it is difficult for opponents to predict what her next move will be.
After originally being set to make her debut in November she will now face Vaida Masiokaite in Cardiff in her maiden pro fight in just under a fortnight, starting what could be a huge year for the Londoner.
Lauren Price
No official deal has yet been announced, but expect anticipation to build when Lauren Price’s first pro bout is set.
The Welsh star was one of Team GB’s most prominent Olympians during Tokyo 2020, winning middleweight gold in dominant fashion despite only taking up boxing following time as a kickboxer and a footballer.
The 27-year-old is an incredibly powerful puncher and has European and world titles to go alongside that Olympic gold medal.
In a division featuring the likes of Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall, Price will look to follow in their footsteps and start her pro career with some big wins over the next few months.
Alycia Baumgardner
Alycia Baumgardner is a more established name than the rest of those on this list, but the 27-year-old American could become a much more recognisable start this year.
She has won 11 of her 12 fights to date though it was her last fight that propelled her further into the limelight, a stunning knockout victory over Terri Harper seeing her claim the WBC and IBO super featherweight world titles.
That victory saw her signed up by Matchroom Boxing for a multiple fight deal and Baumgardner is looking to become the undisputed world champion in 2022.
With fights against fellow belt holders Mikaela Mayer and Hyun Mi Choi looking possible over the next 12 months, the American could become one of the sport’s biggest names sooner rather than later.
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