Alycia Baumgardner has always adopted a fighting spirit. Growing up in a family of fighters, she not only learned to box-she embodied it. Her journey to becoming the undisputed super featherweight champion began long before she put down her gloves. In fact, the boxing champion was just four years old when she started wrestling, and then eight years old when her father asked her a question that would define her future: “Do you want to box?” His answer was simple and sure: “Yeah, I’m going to box. Looking back, she remembers the innocence of that decision, noting, “I didn’t even really know what I was getting myself into, but it felt right.” »

Living in Fremont, Ohio, Baumgardner didn’t discover boxing by watching legends or studying tapes. Instead, his skills were shaped by family influences and a series of coaches who saw his potential and helped him hone his craft. “I didn’t grow up watching boxing too much,” she explained. “Thanks to my athleticism and the teachers who supported me, I was able to really shape my style.” Her fights are versatile: she can fight, move and outwit her opponents thanks to her technical finesse. But what really pushed her forward was the conviction that “one day they will have to respect her.”

That respect came in droves as the popular athlete quickly rose through the ranks, winning the WBC, IBO, WBO, IBF and The Ring titles by 2022. Her style, technical and relentless, made her an adversary feared. But beyond the ring, she also embraced something often pushed aside in boxing: her femininity. As she tells ESSENCE: “It’s important to accept that because that’s who I am as a woman. » For her, it’s a question of balance, a mixture of beauty and beast. “You can be a beautiful woman and fight too,” she says, capturing the duality that makes her a remarkable figure in women’s boxing.

Outside of the ring, Baumgardner’s interests are as varied as his boxing style. She finds time to journal, a habit she maintains at least twice a week, documenting the ups and downs of her life. “It’s just updates on my life,” she explains, seeing it as a way to reflect and grow. She is also a passionate advocate for wellness, both spiritual and physical, and takes pride in giving back to her community. From teaching self-defense to Detroit women to handing out turkeys during the holidays, she is committed to leaving a positive impact on those around her. His recent visits to HBCUs to inspire young fans demonstrates this commitment, as it encourages them to gain confidence and strive to achieve their dreams.

For the accomplished pugilist, her place in athletics goes beyond titles and belts. “Being the face of women’s boxing is a blessing,” she said. “With my story and what I can offer outside of the ring, I can touch so many people. It’s bigger than sport. She views her role as that of a legacy builder, known not only for her victories, but also for the words she shares and the impact she leaves. “People won’t remember me just because of my belts,” she insists. “They will remember what I talked about, what I said to this young girl who dreamed of one day becoming a champion.”

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

Last September, Alycia faced an unexpected setback during her highly anticipated match with Delfine Persoon at Trilith Studios in Atlanta. The fight was intense, with him determined to defend his undisputed super featherweight title. In the fourth round, a cut to Persoon’s right eye, caused by an accidental clash of heads, forced the ringside doctor to call the fight, resulting in a no contest decision. Although the decision was disappointing, she viewed it as a temporary obstacle rather than a defeat, exuding the same resilience that defined her career.

As she looks to the future, the 30-year-old’s direction remains clear. She is dedicated to her craft, her community and to inspiring the next generation of fighters. And while the challenges ahead may be difficult, she remains grounded in her faith and purpose. “Prayer is important,” she said. “I always had the belief that I was meant to be something great and learned to overcome obstacles.”

Baumgardner’s journey is one of courage, grace and undeniable strength – a true testament to his belief that, in boxing and in life, every setback is an opportunity to rise again. As she continues to train, mentor others and push the boundaries of the sport, she shows that her fight goes far beyond titles; it’s about redefining the possibilities of life.