This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Thursday, March 16, 1876

First female boxing match in Manhattan

In the first organized women's boxing match, Nelly Saunders defeated Rose Harland in a one-point decision after a four-round bout at Harry Hill's on Houston Street. James Campbell, the manager of the concert saloon known for hosting non-mainstream entertainment, conceived the idea and offered a $200 prize for the winner. Saunders, 24, was the wife of a boxer and stood 5-6, 153 pounds. Harland, 25, was an Englishwoman who measured in at 5-7, 164 pounds. The final two rounds were close, but Saunders had won the first two decidedly and was awarded the decision. Harland was given $10 and the women left the ring arm in arm.