Boxing has always carried a touch of drama outside the ropes. Yet one of the most heated debates in the sport today is about steroids. For men’s boxing, the issue is widely discussed, but in women’s boxing it raises a new set of questions. How often do women use steroids? What rules apply, what benefits or disadvantages come with it, and how do insiders of the sport view this subject? Much like fans who place bets on boxing in the best casinos not on GamStop, the discussion involves risk, reward, and plenty of speculation.
How Often Do Women Use Steroids in Boxing?
Exact numbers are hard to pin down, as no fighter will openly admit to using banned substances unless they are caught. Still, testing agencies provide some insight. According to data from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), in recent years roughly 1% to 2% of female athletes across combat sports have tested positive for anabolic steroids or related substances. That may sound small, but in a sport where title fights are rare and careers short, even a handful of cases can shake trust in the ring.
In women’s boxing, cases are less frequent than in men’s divisions, partly because the pool of professional fighters is smaller. But when scandals happen, they attract major headlines. In 2019, Mexican fighter Alejandra Jimenez faced heavy scrutiny after her victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn for the WBC and WBO super middleweight titles. Soon after, she tested positive for a banned steroid and was stripped of her titles. The story not only cost her reputation but also cast a shadow on women’s boxing at large.
What Do the Rules Say?
The short answer is clear: steroids are not legal in boxing. Governing bodies like the WBC, IBF, and the International Olympic Committee all follow strict anti-doping rules. Fighters are tested before and after bouts, and some are subjected to random testing throughout the year.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) works with promoters to test fighters ahead of big events. Any positive test can lead to fines, suspensions, or titles being stripped. For example, a first-time offender might face a six-month suspension, while repeat cases can mean years out of the sport.
Still, detection is not perfect. Some substances leave the system quickly, while others can be masked. This fuels rumours that some athletes might “cycle” steroids during training camps and stop just before the testing window.
The Claimed Benefits
For women boxers, the temptation is similar to men’s: steroids can increase muscle mass and recovery speed. Training camps are brutal. Fighters spar several times a week, run long distances, and push weights to the limit. Steroids can make recovery quicker, meaning more time to train and fewer injuries.
There is also the issue of punching power. Women’s boxing often gets unfairly criticised for lacking knockouts compared to men’s fights. Steroids may increase explosiveness, giving fighters a bigger chance to land that one-shot finish. For some, the idea of gaining an edge in strength and aggression can look appealing.
The Disadvantages and Risks
The downsides, however, are serious. For women, steroid use can lead to voice deepening, irregular menstrual cycles, excess body hair, and other irreversible changes. Health risks include heart problems, liver damage, and hormonal imbalance.
Beyond the physical dangers, there is also the damage to reputation. Once a boxer is caught using steroids, the label of “cheater” can follow them forever. Even years later, some fans and promoters struggle to trust fighters with past violations.
An example is Lucia Rijker, one of the most respected names in women’s boxing, who never failed a test but once spoke openly about the suspicion surrounding female athletes. She admitted that every time a woman showed extraordinary strength or physique, whispers about steroids would surface, regardless of proof. This stigma alone can affect a career.
Opinions on Steroids in Women’s Boxing
The boxing world is divided. Some coaches argue that stricter testing is needed because the sport cannot afford even one more scandal. Freddie Roach, who has trained many champions, once said, “Steroids are killing trust in boxing. Fans don’t know who is clean anymore.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn has also voiced concerns, especially after high-profile cases. He believes more investment in year-round testing is the only way to protect fighters and fans.
On the other hand, some fighters believe the issue is blown out of proportion in women’s boxing. Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and multiple-weight champion, has often defended her sport, saying the majority of female fighters are clean and that women already face enough barriers without unfair suspicion.
The Numbers Behind the Debate
To put things into perspective, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) reported over 3,000 drug tests in combat sports between 2021 and 2023. Only about 2% of those involved female fighters, and within that group, the number of positive steroid tests was in the single digits. That means cases are rare, but because women’s boxing still fights for mainstream attention, each failed test feels magnified.
For fans who watch and bet on big fights, the perception of fairness matters as much as the action in the ring. A single doping scandal can damage ticket sales, pay-per-view buys, and the trust of the boxing audience.
Steroids and the Future of Women’s Boxing
As women’s boxing grows — with headline fights like Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano drawing record crowds — the spotlight will only get brighter. Bigger paydays and higher stakes might tempt more athletes to seek shortcuts. Yet stronger testing programs, along with campaigns for clean sport, are pushing back.
The debate continues. For some, steroids represent an unfair advantage that risks the health of fighters. For others, it is just another part of the sport’s long battle with doping across all divisions. Either way, the story of steroids in women’s boxing is not finished.