Baumgardner On Taking Women's Boxing Torch

Alycia Baumgardner believes she claimed the mantle of women's boxing on her own terms rather than waiting for it to be handed down.

With Katie Taylor now retired and Amanda Serrano nearing the end of her career, Baumgardner told ESPN she views the shift in the sport as her moment to step into the spotlight. "I didn't need to be passed the torch, I took it," she said.

Baumgardner's Vision For Women's Boxing Future

The former featherweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super featherweight titleholder sees herself positioned to lead the next era of the women's game as two of its biggest stars exit the stage. Taylor hung up her gloves earlier this year, while Serrano has signaled her career is winding down.

Baumgardner's assertive stance reflects her belief that the sport's next generation must claim their space rather than wait for it to be granted. She returns to the ring later this year with a chance to prove her point.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Alycia Baumgardner: 'I didn't need to be passed the torch, I took it'