When reporting on the development of women’s boxing, it doesn’t take long for the name Regina Halmich to come up. She is considered the main personality who made women’s boxing popular in this form in the first place. But who is Regina Halmich anyway, what does she do after her boxing career and above all: What are her connections to Karlsruhe?
Regina Halmich Biography
Regina Halmich was born on November 22, 1976 in Karlsruhe and also grew up in the fan-shaped city. At the age of eleven she turned to the Japanese martial art of judo. A little later she discovered other variants of martial arts such as karate and kickboxing. And with great success:
In 1991 she became two-time German champion in the discipline of kickboxing. Just one year later she was able to claim her first European title in kickboxing.
However, Regina Halmich cut a good figure not only in these martial arts, but also in women’s boxing, which she turned to in 1994. But as a woman, it was not easy to assert yourself in a sport that had previously only been recognized for men. The path began in the “Bulldog Gym” in Daxlanden, which is still in operation today.
Regina Halmich: The way to becoming a professional boxer
According to Halmich, the road to becoming a professional athlete was anything but easy. So she had to contend with many prejudices – even the German “Amateur Box Association” was skeptical about professional women’s boxing. Due to the rejection of a boxing license, Regina Halmich was initially unable to gain a firm footing in this profession.
What only a few know: Regina Halmich had completed training as a paralegal before her career as a professional boxer.
Regina Halmich with Vladimir and Vitaly Klitschko
After her training she went to Hamburg to join the boxing stable “Universum Box Promotion” to join. Not only Regina Halmich was a member there, but also other well-known faces. Among them: Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko or Felix Sturm.
Everyone knows the end of her journey: Regina Halmich finally managed to stand out in a male-dominated sporting world, which increased the importance of women’s boxing.
Regina Halmich’s biography: the first fight
They say that first impressions count and last ones are forever. In both cases, Regina Halmich managed to be present in people’s minds.
Her first fight in the amateur league, on April 9, 1994, took place as a home game against Finie Klee from the Netherlands. It went over five rounds and Regina Halmich was able to win the challenge 3:0.
With the title of European champion in the weight class super flyweight, she gave the prelude to her rise in women’s boxing.
Regina Halmich versus Stefan Raab
Former TV Total moderator Stefan Raab was known for his big mouth throughout his career. Among other things, he also railed against Halmich that he would defeat her in battle. In 2001 he stepped into the ring for the first time at the “long boxing night” against Regina Halmich. The fight had an audience of millions and went over six rounds.
The result: Regina Halmich not only secured victory, she even broke the comedian’s nose.
The defeat in 2001 was followed by another challenge in 2007. But this time the fight didn’t take place in the Kölnarena and not in the “TV-Total” studio. Hardly surprising that this time Regina Halmich was able to win the fight.
More than 19,500 spectators were there live and were able to watch the spectacle for a total of six rounds.
Regina Halmich’s biography: the last fight
Regina Halmich herself ended her successful career on November 30, 2007. She competed against the Israeli professional boxer Hagar Shmoulefeld Finer. This fight was also a home game and was even shown on ZDF during prime time (8:15 p.m.). With her exit, she was at the peak of her career and set an everlasting mark for women’s boxing.
Regina Halmich’s biography: review of her professional career
The career of the four-time world champion is something to be proud of. She has won a total of 54 of 56 professional fights in the 12 years. However, she had to suffer a defeat. Even a tie emerges from their career.
From 1995 to 2007 she was the world champion of “Women International Boxing Federation” (WIBF) at flyweight and is still considered one of the most successful German boxers in sports history.
Regina Halmich (left) and Kim Messer box in the ring. | Image: Uli Deck/dpa
Regina Halmich im Playboy
In 2003 and 2007, pictures of Regina Halmich were published in Playboy. In 2007 she was able to choose the pictures herself for that issue, which ultimately appeared in the magazine.
Regina Halmichs Engagements
The subject of breast cancer is particularly close to Regina Halmich’s heart. According to her own statement, she has already lost a family member to this type of cancer. In addition, a friend of hers had already had it twice. For this reason she is involved in the campaign “Pink Ribbon” in cooperation with “discovering hands‘ to conduct enlightenment.
Not only is breast cancer prevention important to her. Children and young people are also important to her, which is why Halmich takes over the organization “Terre des Hommes – Kinder in Not” supports.
Regina Halmich’s awards
As early as the late 1990s, she received an award from the Golden Sports Pyramid as Sportswoman of the Year. Over the years leading up to 2022, however, some of these honors have accumulated:
- 1996: Golden plaque from the city of Karlsruhe
- 1997: World’s best female boxer
- 1997: Golden Pyramid and Sportswoman of the Year
- 1997: Golden sports medal from the city of Karlsruhe
- 1998: Sports medal of the city of Karlsruhe
- 1999: Golden Pyramid and Sportswoman of the Year
- 2003: MAXIM-Women of the year (Sport)
- 2005: Female Boxer of the Year – Awarded by the magazine “Boxsport”
- 2008: The Silver Bay Leaf
- 2013: Victress-Award
- 2013: Order of Merit of the State of Baden-Württemberg
- 2013: Honorary title of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB)
- 2014: Inclusion in the “International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame” (IWBHF)
- 2021: Inclusion in the “International Boxing Hall of Fame” (IBHOF)
- May 20, 2022: Admission to the “Hall of Fame of German Sports”
Regina Halmich’s media appearances
In addition to boxing, Halmich was and is also present in other media appearances. The Karlsruhe native can look back on a total of 13 guest appearances on radio and television. Among other things, she has already presented individual programs such as “Fight Night” in 2007 on ProSieben or “The Biggest Loser” in 2010 on Kabeleins.
Regina Halmich at “A Heart for Children” 2019 in Berlin
In addition, Halmich appeared in 2007 at the Mario Barth Shows and at the “A heart for children Gala” of the ZDF. In the years 2020 and 2021 she was also actively involved in projects of the broadcasters ARD, SAT 1 and VOX.
Regina Halmich’s life today
Is Regina Halmich in a relationship?
From 1995 to 1997 Regina Halmich was with soccer player Martin Driller. It is not known whether she has a life partner today. However, her Instagram account suggests that she currently has no partner – or simply keeps it private.
Does Regina Halmich have children?
The thoroughbred athlete has decided to go without children. In an interview with RTL, she reveals that she would have chosen a different life model than that of many women. She also reports that she would be quickly convicted because of her decision.
What is Regina Halmich’s net worth?
No precise information can be found on Regina Halmich’s fortune. The current estimate is up, according to the website topviralstory, however, at approximately $1.5 million.
Where does Regina Halmich live today?
Regina Halmich lives in Karlsruhe, but is always away on business. Her sister also lives and works Yvonne Halmich in Karlsruhe.
Regina Halmich’s induction into the international and national “Hall of Fame” of the sports world
Over the years, she’s managed to earn several places in the sports world’s Hall of Fame. The jury for the “Hall of Fame of German Sport” is made up of decision-makers from the following institutions:
In short: it is a great success to be inducted into this “Hall of Fame”. Regina Halmich received this special award on May 20, 2022. Already in 2021 she managed to become a part of the “International Boxing Hall of Fame” (IBHOF).
Regina Halmich im Turning Stone Resort Casino
Legends like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tysen or Max Schmeling are also members. With her, only five women have been accepted into this exclusive club since it was founded. The honor was bestowed on June 12, 2022 in Canasta (New York).
Which world boxing champions still come from Germany?
Regina Halmich is not the only professional boxer who comes from Germany. Christina Hammer or Nina Meinke, for example, also practice boxing in the professional league.
Regina Halmich’s (sports) offers
After her career as a professional fighter, Regina Halmich passes on the knowledge she has gathered over the years to others. It offers various modules that are intended to help the participants to realize themselves and to draw motivation from everyday life.
You can put together a package from three modules called “Success in the ring – success in business: the common path”. In the first module, she gives a lecture, among other things, and afterwards has a personal conversation with the participants.
Former world boxing champion Regina Halmich performing in 2019. | Image: Uwe Anspach/Archive
Of course, autographs and photos should not be missing. In addition, you can exchange ideas over a meal and at the end there is another discussion round.
The second module is opened like the first, but you can add the sporty component.
You can do a workout together with Regina Halmich. This module is held according to the motto: “Get out of the corner” and should above all motivate and have a community-building effect. In addition, points such as nutrition and exercise are addressed and tips are given.
Regina Halmich during a workout
The third and last module includes a whole weekend and is declared under the name “Weekend Power Workshop”. In addition to the sporting activities that take place on Saturday mornings or during the day, a sense of community is also formed.
The weekend should be rounded off with evenings together, training courses in the areas of “fitness, flexibility and resilience” and personal advice. In addition, Regina Halmich also offers individual boxing lessons for advanced users.
