Born: 1969 (Drogheda, Ireland)
Biography:
Deirdre Gogarty (born 10 November 1969) is a retired Irish female boxer who made a significant impact on the sport of women’s boxing. She was born and raised in Drogheda and attended Drogheda Grammar School. Gogarty began her boxing career before a law was passed in Ireland preventing women from participating in boxing events. Her first professional fight was a six-round decision win against Anne-Marie Griffin. However, with the implementation of the law, Gogarty was unable to compete in Ireland and was forced to move to the United States.
Based in Lafayette, Louisiana, Gogarty was managed and trained by Beau Williford. She faced numerous challenges as she pursued her passion for boxing in a foreign country. Despite these obstacles, Gogarty continued to excel in the sport and became a source of inspiration for aspiring female boxers.
Gogarty’s early professional fights took her to London and Kansas City, Missouri. In London, she secured victories against Jane Johnson, defeating her twice, once by a four-round knockout and another time by an eight-round decision. In Kansas City, Gogarty fought Stacy Prestage and resulted in a draw after six rounds. Further successes came for Gogarty, including a first-round knockout win over Jane McGhee.
However, Gogarty experienced her first loss when she faced Mary Ann Almager, who defeated her in a six-round decision. Despite this setback, Gogarty continued to showcase her skill and determination, winning consecutive fights and establishing herself as a top contender in the sport. One of her notable victories was against Isra Girgrah, whom she knocked out in three rounds, solidifying her reputation as a formidable competitor.
Gogarty faced Laura Serrano, another prominent figure in women’s boxing, in a highly anticipated match. Unfortunately, Gogarty was defeated by a knockout in the seventh round. Undeterred, she quickly rebounded with a first-round knockout win over Jessica Breitfelder.
One of the defining moments of Gogarty’s career was her six-round match against Christy Martin, which was televised by Showtime. This fight became a pivotal event for women’s boxing, earning widespread attention and making the covers of numerous magazines. Many fans likened it to the iconic Thrilla in Manila fight. Despite her best efforts, Gogarty fell short, and Martin emerged victorious with a six-round decision.
Gogarty continued her journey in the sport, winning three consecutive fights before challenging Bonnie Canino for the Women’s International Boxing Federation’s Women’s World Featherweight Championship. In an impressive display of skill and determination, Gogarty defeated Canino, becoming a World Champion and cementing her place in boxing history.
Gogarty’s contributions to women’s boxing cannot be overstated. She played a significant role in challenging the outdated laws that prevented female participation in the sport in Ireland. As an athlete, she demonstrated great resilience, overcoming adversity and inspiring future generations of female boxers.
Awards:
– Women’s International Boxing Federation’s Women’s World Featherweight Championship