Busenaz Surmeneli (First Turkish Boxer to Win an Olympic Metal)
Women began boxing in Türkiye as early as the 1920’s. This came about due to foreign soldiers being in Istanbul. In 1924, female boxing was hitting the media. This soon started to diminish in popularity due to the newly founded Turkish Republic, in 1923. Boxing was viewed as unconventional for women to partake in. Women were seen as having enough equality by 1935, and the female boxing scene was put on hiatus. It took off again in the late 1990’s, when teams were formalized. In the 2000’s, Turkish women began boxing internationally.

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Partnership Marketing and Digital Strategy Lead (Combat Sports)
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for almost three decades. Since 2001, I have enjoyed watching the UFC. I hold an academic background in Gerontology from Madonna University, and spent 25 years working across both clinical and non-clinical healthcare settings. But a lifelong passion for writing and martial arts eventually pulled me toward a new chapter. Today, I write for FightMatrix.com. Additionally, I interview professionals in the Combat Sports sector.









