WHY WOMEN'S BOXING?
My inspiration to photograph women's boxing was sparked by Clint Eastwood's movie "Million Dollar Baby."
I think that it is a beautiful love story with magnificent technical merit.
It's wonderful that Mr. Eastwood spotlighted women's boxing, which is deep in the shadows of mainstream sports.
Early in 2005, I was in the theatre everyday enjoying "Million Dollar Baby" including the night it won four Oscars.
A year later, I was privileged to photograph Watsonville, California, fighter Carina Moreno and Wendy Rodriguez of Los Angeles battle for the IBA junior flyweight world title; an undefeated professional boxing rising star with an outstanding amateur record from a small coastal town, against a cagey veteran who was on the verge of retirement since no one would enter the ring with her. That bout was even more special to photograph, since it took place near the gulf coast in Hurricane Rita recovery area before a packed house at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana.
Thanks for your interest in my images.
Take care,
Alan

Carina Moreno vs. Wendy Rodriguez
IBA junior flyweight world title fight
January 21st, 2006
Coushatta Casino Resort, Kinder, Louisiana.
Many more women's boxing photos by Alan Messick Photography at WBAN website presented by Sue Fox:
http://www.womenboxing.com/