Aussie Mai Soliman determined to change boxing rules for women

Sydney boxer Mai Soliman ‘wants to be known’ for changing a key aspect of the women’s fight game — and she is set to lobby with powerbrokers.

Ambitious Sydney fighter Mai Soliman wants boxing to radically shake up its rules for women and allow them to fight three-minute rounds.

Soliman, who fights for the women’s Australasian flyweight title against Bec Moss tonight, also wants female bouts extended to 12-rounds for world titles.

The 24-year-old will lobby authorities to extend fights from the traditional two-minute rounds to three minutes, the same as professional men’s boxing.

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Sydney boxer Mai Soliman in action.

“The one thing I really do want to push and would love to see is women’s boxing going to three-minute rounds, we are ready,” Soliman said.

“You ask the other girls, in sparring we are doing three-minute rounds. We train just as hard as the men, if not harder.

“That is my main mission in my career, to push for three-minute rounds.”

Soliman fights Moss at the Revesby Workers’ Club, an event by Paul Nasari’s Neutral Corner Promotions, over six by two-minute rounds, the traditional time allotted to women’s title fights by combat authorities across Australia.

All women’s world title fights are two-minute rounds, ranging from six to 10 rounds.

“We can go to 12 rounds, like the men, that and three-minute rounds will make women’s boxing grow and get more exposure, that is my dream and what I want to be known for,” Soliman said.

“As you can see in the UFC, women are fighting title fights five rounds over five minutes, which is the same as the men. So why can’t boxing do it?

“I will be talking to everyone and anyone to make it happen, and I believe more people would be willing to watch women’s boxing.”

Soliman won her professional debut earlier this year against Ali Jensen, and in her second pro bout has the chance to claim the vacant Australasian belt in the 51kg division.

Sydney boxer Mai Soliman is fighting for the Australasian flyweight title.

The Egyptian-born pugilist, who moved to Australia aged nine, had a lengthy amateur career but always knew she was destined for the pro ranks.

“There’s nothing left for me in the amateurs, I wasn’t aiming for the Olympics or Commonwealth Games, so me and my coach decided to turn pro this year,” Soliman said.

“My style is a more pro style, I love getting in there and putting pressure on my opponents, being aggressive.”

Soliman has grown up idolising Puerto Rican featherweight legend Amanda Serrano, and hopes to be part of the new wave of Australian female boxing stars including world champion Ebanie Bridges, Shannon O’Connell, Skye Nicolson, Caitlin Parker, Cherneka Johnson and Shanell Dargan.

Originally published as Aussie Mai Soliman determined to change boxing rules for women