Any alphabetical listing of the leading female boxers in the sport, done in alphabetical order, would position Alicia Ashley near the top of that list. That, of course, is directly related to the spelling of her name. Similarly, any list of female boxers who exemplify what is best about the sport, in and out of the ring, would, likewise, place Alicia Ashley near the top. That has everything to do with the style, grace and professionalism she has exhibited over her 19 years in the sport.

 The reasoning is not solely the 299 professional rounds that Ashley has fought over her career in the ring. It is not the numerous titles she has won over that career, those achievements have been matched by an elite circle of others In the sport. Rather, with Ashley, it is the reaction that mention of her name engenders throughout the boxing community.

Ashley was identified as “one” with the Gleason’s gym on Front Street in Brooklyn where she mentored young female boxers, as chronicled so perfectly in Mischa Merz’s wonderful book on women’s boxing, “The Sweetest Thing”. Ashley has since expanded her invaluable tutelage into China, noting, “There is a lot of potential (in China) and I hope to make my mark there”.

Ashley officially retired in 2019, following her final bout in March ‘18. She was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest female World Champion (a three time world title holder) and unofficially lauded, within the boxing world, as an example how “to do the sport right” on both sides of the ropes and for setting an example of what one dedicated athlete can accomplish in her sport by maximizing her skills each time the bell rang and by continuing to “give back” to the sport by selflessly sharing that knowledge once her competitive days are over. In recognition, Alicia Ashley is deservedly added to one more list, the honor roll of the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2021.