Women Boxers: The New Warriors »

Delilah Montoya received a Bachelor of Arts in studio art in 1984, an MA with honors in print-making in 1990, and an MFA with distinction in studio art in 1994, all from the University of New Mexico. She was one of five graduate students in the nation to receive a College Arts Association Professional Development Fellowship in 1993 to support her MFA thesis project, Sagrado Corazón/Sacred Heart. This project was exhibited extensively and marked the beginning of her professional success. She is a professor of photography and digital media at the University of Houston.

María Teresa Márquez is an associate professor and University of New Mexico Regents lecturer and curator of the Chicano, Hispano, and Latino Library Research Program.

C. Ondine Chavoya is an assistant professor of Contemporary Art and Latina/o Studies at Williams College.

Combining the artistry of photographer Delilah Montoya with an informative introduction written by professor and librarian María Teresa Márquez, Women Boxers: The New Warriors explores the world of las malcriadas, those women who challenge society's views of femininity, violence, and physicality.

Montoya's photographs profile twelve powerful, devoted athletes who are taking advantage of the Women's Movement and the right to live, work, and box in a man's world. The boxers featured are from all over the United States, and include super bantamweight Jackie Chávez, holder of the IFBA Super Bantamweight Title, light middleweight Akondaye "Storm" Fountain, welterweight Christy "Coalminer's Daughter" Martin, and lightweight Mia "The Knockout" St. John, holder of the IBA Women's Lightweight Title and the IFBA Lightweight World Title.

The introductory essay succinctly traces the phenomenon of women boxers, noting that as early as 1728 boxing matches between women were reported in London newspapers. Since 1997, women's amateur boxing competitions have been held in Europe, Africa, and Asia; countries such as Egypt, India and Kazakhstan are among 28 countries represented in women's boxing organizations. And women's amateur boxing may be sanctioned soon for the first time as an Olympic sport.

In spite of the increased popularity of women's boxing, it remains controversial. Many still believe that women boxers are simply women who make a living by selling their bodies. Women boxers struggle to get televised matches and suitable prize money, and many boxing promoters refuse to support fights between female boxers.

With an essay by C. Ondine Chavoya tracing Montoya's artistic career, this is a rare and fascinating look at the sport of women's boxing.

SELLING HANDLES:
· Photography collection features strong, courageous women taking on a man's sport
· Photos depict twelve prominent women boxers