Tracy “The Lady” Byrd, is not only a retired multi-world champion with a storied career, but she also serves as an inspiring role model for women everywhere, particularly in her dual roles as a police officer and a mother. In 2025, she was honored as one of our “Women Cops Who Box” award recipients on April 4, 2025, at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Tracy was immersed in a boxing culture from a young age. Her father, Joe Byrd, not only trained her but also served as an official trainer at the 1992 Summer Olympics. With brothers who were similarly passionate about the sport, Tracy grew up surrounded by the grit and determination that boxing demands. The family’s commitment to the sport led them to establish Byrd Boxing, Inc. and the Joe Byrd Academy, where they nurtured the next generation of boxers, teaching them not just the techniques of fighting but the values of discipline and respect.
Tracy boxing career, is filled with memorable moments that showcase her talents and tenacity. In her second professional match on March 18, 1997, she stunned audiences with a second-round TKO against Vicki Woods, a crossover kickboxer making her pro debut. This fight, broadcast on Cable USA’s Tuesday Night Fights, was just the beginning of what would become a legendary career.
As her experience grew, so did her competition. A significant highlight came in May 1997 when she fought Filipina Dee Dufoe in Reseda, California, winning by unanimous decision in a six-round bout that marked the inaugural IFBA card. Tracy’s big break arrived in August of that year at the Grand Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she fought for the IFBA Lightweight world title against Nora Daigle. Tracy won that hard-fought battle through a ten-round unanimous decision, establishing her as not just a contender, but a champion.
With numerous defenses of her title, Tracy continued to impress. She added to her accolades by winning the IWBF Lightweight World title in November 1998 and the IFBA Intercontinental Super Featherweight title in May 2001 when she defeated Brenda Vickers; and in March of 2003, she won a split over Agnieszka Rylik for the WIBO Light Welterweight World title.
Throughout Tracy’s boxing career, WBAN covered many of her fights with articles and ringside reports. In 2010 she told us, “I began at the age of 32 and endured 10 years in the 2nd best sport of my life, next to basketball…I was able to travel all over the world and took pride in being a “trailblazer” for other women. Since retiring, I have been mentoring and providing boxing/fitness to youth. I am the President/Director of a non-profit youth program called UBEAR, INC (You Be Educated, Athletic and Resourceful) and am a personal trainer.”
Other highlights of Tracy’s career: One of the first to headline an all women’s boxing card with Event Entertainment Promotions on PPV; First to appear as a boxing family (brother, sister & parents) on USA Tuesday Night Fights; First women’s boxing champion from Flint, Michigan; First to have a World Champion boxing brother work the corner of Tracy for a World Champion fight; She fought many times on television, three times on USA Tuesday Night Fights and three times the main/co-main Event on PPV, inspiring many fighters in the sport.
Tracy Byrd’s recognition as one of our “Women Cops Who Box” award recipients is a celebration of her multifaceted life—one marked by triumphs in the boxing ring, dedication to her career, and love for her family. As we honor her achievements, we acknowledge that Tracy is more than just a boxer; she is a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals who dare to dream and fight for their goals.
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