Alycia Baumgardner has always embraced a fighting spirit. He didn’t just learn that because he grew up in a family of warriors. box– embodied it. Her journey to becoming the undisputed women’s super featherweight champion began long before she even laced up her gloves. In fact, the boxing champion was only four years old when he wrestled for the first time, later he was eight when his father asked a question that would determine his future: “Do you want to box?” His answer was simple and definitive: “Yes, I will box.” Looking back, she recalls the innocence of this decision, saying: “I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, but it felt right.”

Baumgardner, who lives in Fremont, Ohio, was introduced to boxing not through watching legends or reviewing tapes. Instead, his skills were shaped by family influences and a series of instructors who saw his potential and helped him hone his craft. “I didn’t grow up watching a lot of boxing,” he shared. “I was able to really shape my style because of the athleticism I had and the teachers along the way.” Its combat is versatile; He can fight, move, and defeat his opponents with his technical mastery. But what really moved him forward was his belief that “someday they’re going to have to respect that.”

This respect has grown even further as the popular athlete has rapidly risen through the ranks, capturing titles in the WBC, IBO, WBO, IBF and The Ring by 2022. His technical and brutal style made him a feared opponent. But beyond the ring, she also embraced something often overlooked in boxing: her femininity. As she told ESSENCE, “It’s important to embrace that because that’s who I am as a woman.” For him, it’s about balance; A mixture of beauty and beast. “You can be a beautiful woman and fight at the same time,” she says, capturing the duality that has made her a standout figure in women’s boxing.

Baumgardner’s interests outside the ring are as diverse as his boxing style. He finds time to keep a journal, a habit he maintains at least twice a week, documenting the ups and downs of his life. “These are just updates in my life,” he explains, seeing it as a way to reflect and grow. She is also a passionate advocate for both mental and physical health and is proud to give back to her community. From teaching self-defense to women in Detroit to delivering turkeys during the holidays, he’s dedicated to making a positive impact on those around him. last visits HBCUs Inspiring young fans is a testament to this commitment because it encourages them to embrace their self-confidence and strive for their dreams.

For the successful boxer, his place in athletics goes beyond titles and belts. “Being the face of women’s boxing is a blessing,” she says. “I can reach so many people with my story and what I have to offer outside of the ring. This is bigger than the sport.” “People won’t just remember me because of the belts,” he insists. “They’ll remember what I talked about, what I told that young girl who dreamed of being a champion one day.”

But his journey is not without obstacles. As a black woman in a male-dominated sport, the boxing star had to face challenges head-on and often feel like she stood out in a world where she didn’t see many people who looked like her. Reflecting on her experience, she says: “It wasn’t very common to be a young muscular Black girl. But I always believed that one day people would respect my work ethic.” This belief continues to fuel him as he balances the demands of his sport with the pressure of being an influential figure.

This past September, Alycia faced an unexpected setback in her highly anticipated match against Delfine Persoon at Trilith Studios. of Atlanta. The fight was intense with the determination to defend the undisputed super featherweight title. In the fourth round, a cut over Persoon’s right eye from an accidental head collision forced the ringside doctor to call the fight, which resulted in a no-contest decision. Although the decision was unexpected, he viewed it as a temporary setback rather than a defeat and exuded the same resilience that has defined his career.

As he looks to the future, the 30-year-old’s focus remains clear. He is dedicated to his profession, his community, and inspiring the next generation of warriors. Even though the challenges ahead are challenging, he remains committed to his faith and purpose. “Prayer is important,” he says. “I always had this belief that I would become something great, and through obstacles I learned to overcome.”

Baumgardner’s journey is filled with courage, grace and undeniable strength; This is a true testament to his belief that every failure in boxing and in life is an opportunity for advancement. As he continues to train, mentor others, and push the boundaries of the sport, he shows that his fight goes far beyond championships; It’s about redefining life’s possibilities.