
Alycia Baumgardner has always embraced a fighting spirit. Growing up in a family of fighters, she didnโt just learn to boxโshe embodied it. Her journey to becoming the undisputed female super featherweight champion began long before she ever laced up her gloves. In fact, the boxing champion was just four years old when she first wrestled, then eight when her dad asked a question that would define her future: โDo you want to box?โ Her answer was simple and sure: โYeah, Iโll box.โ Looking back, she recalls the innocence of that decision, noting, โI didnโt even really know what I was getting myself into, but it just felt right.โ
Living in Fremont, Ohio, Baumgardnerโs introduction to boxing didnโt come through watching legends or studying tapes. Instead, her skills were shaped by family influences and by a lineup of trainers who saw her potential and helped hone her craft. โI didnโt grow up watching boxing too much,โ she shared. โWith the athleticism I had and the teachers along the way, I was able to really shape my style.โ Her fighting is versatileโshe can brawl, she can move, and she can outwit her opponents with technical finesse. But what really drove her forward was the belief that โone day, theyโre going to have to respect it.โ
That respect came in droves as the popular athlete quickly climbed the ranks, capturing titles in the WBC, IBO, WBO, IBF, and The Ring by 2022. Her style, technical and relentless, made her a feared opponent. But beyond the ring, she also embraced something often sidelined in boxing: her femininity. As she tells ESSENCE, โItโs important to embrace that because this is who I am as a woman.โ For her, itโs about balanceโa blend of beauty and beast. โYou can be a beautiful woman and fight as well,โ she says, capturing the duality that makes her a standout figure in womenโs boxing.

Outside the ring, Baumgardnerโs interests are as varied as her boxing style. She finds time to journal, a habit she keeps up at least twice a week, documenting her lifeโs highs and lows. โThese are just updates on my life,โ she explains, seeing it as a way to reflect and grow. Sheโs also a passionate advocate for wellness, both spiritual and physical, and she takes pride in giving back to her community. From teaching self-defense to women in Detroit to distributing turkeys during the holidays, she is committed to leaving a positive impact on those around her. Her recent visits to HBCUs to inspire young fans are a testament to that commitment, as she encourages them to embrace self-confidence and strive toward their dreams.
For the accomplished pugilist, her place in athletics goes beyond the titles and belts. โTo be the face of womenโs boxing is a blessing,โ she says. โWith my story and what I can offer outside the ring, I can reach so many people. Itโs bigger than the sport.โ She sees her role as a legacy-maker, one whoโs known not just for her victories, but for the words she shares and the impact she leaves. โPeople arenโt going to remember me just for the belts,โ she insists. โTheyโre going to remember what I spoke about, what I told that young girl who dreamed of becoming a champion one day.โ
Her journey, however, isnโt without obstacles. As a Black woman in a male-dominated sport, the boxing star had to confront challenges head-on, often feeling like she stood out in a world where she didnโt see many who looked like her. Reflecting on her experience, she says, โBeing a young Black girl with muscles wasnโt common. But I always believed one day, people would respect my work ethic.โ That belief continues to fuel her as she balances the demands of her sport with the pressures of being an influential figure.

This past September, Alycia faced an unexpected setback during her highly anticipated match with Delfine Persoon at Trilith Studios in Atlanta. The fight was intense, with her determination to defend her undisputed super featherweight title. By the fourth round, a cut over Persoonโs right eyeโcaused by an accidental clash of headsโforced the ringside doctor to call the fight, resulting in a no-contest ruling. While the decision was anticlimactic, she viewed it as a temporary hurdle rather than a defeat, exuding the same resilience thatโs defined her career.
As she looks to the future, the 30-year-oldโs focus remains clear. Sheโs dedicated to her craft, to her community, and to inspiring the next generation of fighters. And while the challenges ahead may be tough, sheโs grounded in her faith and her purpose. โPrayer is important,โ she says. โIโve always had this faith that I was meant to be something great, and through obstacles, Iโve learned to overcome.โ
Baumgardnerโs journey is one of grit, grace, and undeniable strengthโa true testament to her belief that, in boxing and in life, every setback is an opportunity to rise. As she continues to train, mentor others, and push the boundaries of the sport, she shows that her fight goes far beyond titles; itโs about redefining lifeโs possibilities.