Boxing has long been considered a male-dominated sport. It took years of struggle and persistent behind-the-scenes efforts for women to gain their place in competitive and professional boxing. Female boxers have had to fight very hard to earn the recognition they deserve. For those who take up the gloves, boxing offers solace, contributing to their mental and social well-being as they move toward self-empowerment.

A group of women in London have gone even further by founding The Fight Forward Mission in 2022 to support women through boxing and storytelling. Most of these women have suffered various forms of abuse and Fightback Club has created a space and pathway for them to find healing and empowerment through boxing. The club has so far reached over 100,000 women.

The Fight Forward Mission recently held a Fight Back event on November 30 at All Stars Boxing Gym in West London. Hosted by award-winning musician, activist and former Fight Back participant Madame Gandhi, the event was led by former British boxer and gold medalist Lesley Sackey, along with fellow champions Ruth Raper, Shelly Sweeney and Lisa Moore. Attendees were joined by other special guests including professional boxer Maisey Rose and new professional Oriance Lungu.

Lesley Sackey said: “Boxing gave me the strength to overcome my past and I wanted to create a space where other women could experience the same empowerment. The Fight Back is about reclaiming our power and showing that we are not consumed by our trauma.

The event featured eight inspiring women taking to the ring for three 2-minute rounds. Other attendees included City AM columnist Camilla Esmund and Miss GB contestant Leyla Tabasaranskaya.

The Fight Back, a 10-week intensive boxing program for survivors of domestic violence, grew out of Lesley Sackey’s nonprofit organization. Fight Forward is dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence through the power of boxing. “Fight Night” is the culmination of 10 weeks of hard work by these survivors who went from trying to be invisible, avoiding conflict and punishment, to entering the arena and possessing of their power.

“I joined Fight Back to heal from an abusive relationship. My abuser went to prison, but I was left with pain and anger. When Lesley offered me this opportunity, it felt like a lifesaver. (…) Boxing helped me confront my trauma, release my anger and reclaim my power. The sisterhood here reminds me that we are never alone, that we can feel safe and be ourselves,” said Yurdal Mohammad, a 41-year-old Fight Forward participant.

The organization is supported by Sackey’s industry peers and invokes the warrior spirit through physical training and holistic personal development. Lesley offers survivors the opportunity to rebuild their strength, confidence and sense of community. With ambassadors and supporters including two-time boxing champion Natasha Jonas, The Woman’s Trust and SoulLuma School of Energy & Presence – Fight Forward; Fight Back takes women’s empowerment and boxing’s triumph over trauma to a new level.

“I will continue boxing because it makes me feel alive and unapologetic. This program is about resilience, reclaiming our lives, and choosing to triumph over trauma. It changed my life for the better,” added Mohammad.

The Fight Back is more than a personal empowerment movement; this is a fundraiser dedicated to supporting women affected by domestic violence. All proceeds will be donated to Fight Forward, an initiative aimed at helping more women find strength and confidence through boxing.

Hear Lesley’s Story ‘From Surviving to Thriving’ Boxing Journey –