The Women Boxing Archive Network (WBAN), founded by pioneer Sue “TL” Fox, recently marked its 25th anniversary with a solemn tribute to female fighters who have passed away over the last quarter-century.
While the organization celebrated its longevity as a primary authority for the sport, the milestone was described as a “bitter sweet moment” due to the loss of several athletes to accidents, illnesses, and sudden health crises.
Established to document a sector of the sport that was long overlooked by mainstream media, WBAN has evolved from a small digital archive into a global resource. The network used the 2023 anniversary to highlight the lives of both young prospects and veteran figures who helped build the foundations of women’s boxing.
The tribute serves as a stark reminder of the risks and physical tolls faced by competitors across all levels of the game.
Sue “TL” Fox, who reached the top world ranking in 1979, continues to lead the platform as it enters its third decade. The archive’s role in preserving history remains critical, especially as modern stars continue to fight for administrative recognition. In the men’s division, Robeisy Ramirez calls out Mauricio Sulaiman over similar systemic issues that can impact a fighter’s trajectory and legacy.
Honoring the fallen stars of the Women Boxing Archive Network
The memorial detailed several tragic losses, including that of Jasmine Marzo of Argentina. The 23-year-old Argentine National Team member suffered a fatal cardiac arrest in 2018 shortly after being taken to an emergency room in Cordoba. Marzo was scheduled to travel to Brazil and Bulgaria for training and competition at the time of her death.
Domestic and international champions were also featured in the tribute. Multi-world champion Giselle Salandy died at the age of 21 on January 4, 2009. She passed away following a vehicular accident on the Beetham Highway in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Salandy, who was later inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) in 2016, remains a celebrated figure in the middleweight ranks.
Russian champion Elena Domuladzhanova was remembered after passing away from Covid-19 complications in 2021. Domuladzhanova won gold at the 2001 Women’s World Amateur Boxing Championships in the United States and the 2001 European Championships in France. Her success in the under-81 kg category solidified her status as one of Europe’s most accomplished amateur fighters.
Tragic accidents and health crises in the amateur ranks
The WBAN tribute also noted the loss of 18-year-old Amina Bulakh of Ukraine. Bulakh was killed by a train in November 2019 while crossing a railway near her home in Tarasivka. Reports indicated she was wearing headphones and using a smartphone at the time of the accident. Her death shocked the Ukrainian boxing community, where she was viewed as a rising star.
Mexico City professional Ana Victoria Polo was honored after her death from cancer in 2022 at age 37. Polo competed in 15 professional fights during her career, with her final bout taking place on August 7, 2021. Her resilience in the ring mirrored the tough conditions faced by many athletes, even as com/oleksandr-usyk-brain-health-dubois-wardley-usyk-brain-health-dubois-wa/”>Oleksandr Usyk raises brain health concerns regarding the long-term safety of those in the sport.
The network also paid respects to Jorja Halliday, a 15-year-old amateur who passed away from a rare heart condition. Pioneer boxer Rosi Reed, who was 71 at the time of her passing, was also included in the list of recognized names. These individuals represent the wide spectrum of the boxing community that WBAN aims to preserve through its historical archives.
The enduring legacy of Sue TL Fox and the IWBHF
WBAN serves as the foundation for the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame, which Fox established in 2014. Since moving its homebase to Las Vegas in 2021, the IWBHF has worked to centralize the recognition of female trailblazers. While fans often focus on current drama, such as when Shakur Stevenson dismisses Devin Haney, WBAN prioritizes the long-term documentation of the sport’s pioneers.
The organization also introduced its own world title belts to recognize deserving fighters. Footage from a weigh-in on June 12, 2008, at the Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico, provided the first-ever pay-per-view footage of the WBAN Independent World Class Belts. These belts were created to offer championship opportunities independent of the major sanctioning bodies.
As the organization looks toward the future, it has several major events marked on the calendar in Nevada. The 12th-year anniversary of the IWBHF is scheduled to be celebrated in April 2025 in Las Vegas. This event will honor the Hall of Fame’s progress since its first induction ceremony took place on July 10, 2014, in Florida.
Future milestones for the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame
The organization has confirmed that its next major scheduled event will take place on October 10, 2026. This gathering is set for the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This venue has become a regular site for the IWBHF as it continues to grow its presence in the boxing capital of the world.
The move to Las Vegas has allowed the Hall of Fame to gain more visibility within the broader boxing industry. By hosting ceremonies in Nevada, the organization ensures that the historical contributions of women are recognized alongside modern championship events. Sue “TL” Fox remains the primary driver of these efforts, maintaining the archive while planning for these future celebrations.
The “bitter sweet” nature of the anniversary serves as a reminder that every victory in the ring comes with a history of sacrifice. WBAN continues to act as both a watchdog and a memorial, ensuring that no fighter is forgotten. As the sport achieves more mainstream success, these records will remain the definitive source for those who fought when the cameras were not watching.
