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Spring Allergies Can Cause Headaches. Here’s How to Deal

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A stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes are spring-allergy cornerstones—but they’re not the only symptoms that herald a pollen influx for some people. You might not immediately suspect a pulsing headache is due to allergies, but experts say it’s a common occurrence.

In fact, the same immune response that fills your nose with snot or leaves you sneezing up a storm can make your head throb. That’s especially true “if you have multiple seasonal allergies, for instance to grass and tree pollen; live near farms; or spend a lot of time outside during allergy season, being bombarded by pollen,” Beth Oller, MD, a family medicine physician in Stockton, Kansas, tells SELF. Keep reading to learn why allergies can spark headaches, plus how to tell if your head pain is allergy-related and find relief.

Why can allergies cause headaches?

If you have spring allergies and breathe in pollen, “your immune system perceives it as a foreign invader,” Dr. Oller says, and releases a bunch of inflammatory chemicals like histamine. The resulting inflammation triggers swelling in your nasal cavities, which are connected to your sinuses, Rekha Raveendran, MD, allergist and immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF. The sinuses extend behind the cheekbones, eyes, and bridge of the nose, and up into the forehead—so when they get puffy, you can wind up with a sensation of facial pressure and also headache, she explains.

At the same time, experiencing the effects of spring allergies may spark migraine attacks in those with migraine. The surge of inflammation and congestion can irritate a nearby nerve that plays a role in migraine, and allergy-driven fatigue and insomnia can be migraine triggers in and of themselves. Research suggests that among people with migraine, those who also have allergies tend to have worse, more frequent attacks than those who don’t.

How can you tell if it’s an allergy headache or another type?

An allergy headache typically feels like a dull throbbing in your temples, cheeks, or forehead, and makes your face feel heavy. It comes along with congestion, Dr. Oller says, and lying down or tilting your head can increase the pressure. (FYI: This is the same kind of pain as you’d get with a sinus headache, which is caused by a viral or bacterial infection in your sinuses—both lead to mucus buildup and swelling within the sinuses.)

By contrast, migraine attacks (whether or not they’re precipitated by allergies) trigger intense pain on one side of the head. They often come along with nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, which you would not typically find with allergy headaches, Dr. Raveendran says. Meanwhile, tension headaches tend to feel more like a band squeezing around the head, and cluster headaches spark a surge of pain in or around one eye.

Is Beef right? Does arguing actually make relationships stronger?

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Warning: spoilers ahead for the ending of Beef season 2.

Beef season 2 brings back its signature feud-driven premise — but this time, it’s between two couples. On one side, we have millennial pair Josh (Oscar Isaac) and Lindsay (Carey Mulligan), and on the other, Gen Z duo Austin (Charles Melton) and Ashley (Cailee Spaeny). But rather than simply exploring age differences and life experience, the season digs into two completely different relationship styles.

© 2026 Netflix, Inc.

Early on, Lindsay points out to Austin how unusual it is that he and Ashley don’t argue, and it clearly lingers with him. He later pushes Ashley to share her opinions more openly, planting the seed for tension. What unfolds is a contrast between a calm couple and a passionate one, a restrained dynamic versus a more fiery, expressive relationship.

The show’s creators deliberately pit a couple who constantly clash against one who rarely does — and crucially, examine which dynamic actually lasts. So, is Lindsay right? Is arguing a sign of a healthier relationship? And are the creators suggesting they’re for or against conflict in romance? Let’s get into it.

Is Beef saying an argumentative couple is better or worse?

From the very start, Beef leans into the contradiction. Lindsay insists that couples should argue — and then we’re shown just how brutal those arguments can be. Her relationship with Josh is riddled with explosive fights and underlying unhappiness, with Lindsay emotionally (if not physically) straying. In contrast, Austin and Ashley initially seem solid: affectionate, stable, and excited about their future.

But then the dynamic flips. Lindsay and Josh briefly rediscover that early spark, while Austin and Ashley begin to fracture — largely because they avoid confrontation altogether. Tension simmers beneath the surface, particularly around Austin’s attraction to Eunice, and nothing gets properly addressed. When conflict does arise, Ashley quite literally jumps out of a car to escape it.

Then, another shift. Lindsay and Josh head towards divorce, with the loss of Burberry acting as the final blow. Meanwhile, Austin and Ashley remain together, but their relationship is far from healthy — marked by mistrust, surveillance, and quiet resentment.

Image may contain Charles Melton Person Teen Adult Head Face and Blanket

© 2026 Netflix, Inc.

Justice for Ashlee Jenae : Understanding the Ashlee Jenae Tanzania Incident

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Photo Credit: IG@ashleejenae

The Ashlee Jena Tanzania Incident has left us all completely speechless and heartbroken this week. Ashlee Jenae, known to many of us as Ashly Robinson, was the literal definition of the “soft life” and a total light in the Miami influencer community. She was in Tanzania celebrating two of life’s biggest milestones—her 31st birthday and a brand new engagement—when the unthinkable happened. To go from seeing her gorgeous vacation photos and engagement glow to hearing this news feels like a bad dream that we can’t wake up from. We are sending so much love and strength to her family as they navigate this nightmare.

Demanding Justice and Clarity

While early reports from her fiancé, Joe McCann, suggested she died by suicide, those closest to her are not buying that narrative for one single second. Her family and friends have been very vocal about the fact that the girl they knew was full of life and had everything to look forward to. They are calling for a deep and thorough investigation into what really happened in that hotel room at the Serval Wildlife Resort. It is so important that we keep her name in the air and support the movement to find out the truth because her story deserves to be told correctly.

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Photo Credit: IG@ashleejenae

Ashlee was more than just a popular Instagram face; she was an inspiration to women everywhere who wanted to prioritize their peace and live a beautiful life. Seeing the community come together to demand answers shows just how much of an impact she truly had. As of April 12, 2026, the details are still developing, but the collective voice of her followers and loved ones is getting louder. We have to stay diligent and keep pushing for the transparency her family deserves so they can finally find some sense of peace.

19 Bobs For Women Over 50 And How To Style Them

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Women are no longer getting their hair cut simply because they’ve reached a ‘certain age’. Experimentation is in and Google search around bobs for women over 50 is currently booming, largely because celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Penélope Cruz and Halle Berry have proved that this trending haircut is chic at any age.

With so many bob iterations to choose from, you can dip your toe into the trend with a grown-out bob; add softness around the face with a pageboy bob or go for a blunt ‘bubble bob’ if your hair is on the thin side. Either way, it’s worth remembering that the ends are the oldest part of the hair strand so they understandably get weaker over time. A cut will freshen up the tips but also add more movement and volume.

“If it looks great and makes you feel confident, then age becomes a less important factor,” says Samuel Broadbent, a hairstylist at Hershesons London salon. “Wearing a bob at any age is a statement and when done right is really flattering. The only thing to consider is that if you currently have long hair, make sure you feel ready to make the change and step into your new you.”

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know – from a mood board of inspirational bobs designed specifically for women over 50, advice on what cut to ask your hairdresser for and pro tips on how to style a bob at home.

What should you consider before getting a bob if you’re over 50?

Before deciding on the cut, a hairstylist will take into account your hair texture and the density of your strands. This is especially important if your hair has started to thin – something that’s not uncommon for women over the age of 50 due to hormonal changes during menopause.

“Fine hair can collapse easily, so the cut needs to work with your natural texture,” says Izzy Warren, who also works at Hershesons and says she’d opt for a bob that sits either at the middle of the neck or skims the jawline on thinning strands. “Keeping the length shorter helps to maintain this blunt baseline. I tend to avoid longer lob lengths on very fine hair, as they can sometimes fall flat and feel a little limp. If you do go slightly longer, maintaining a strong outline is essential.”

What are the best bobs for women over 50?

According to Samuel, the best bob styles for women over 50 tend to lean more towards choppy and chunky textures to keep the look modern.

“It’s often good to avoid over-layered and graduated bobs as these styles can be considered a touch dated,” he says. “If we are going to mix it up, let’s keep it fresh. Many people opt to add some sort of bang with a bob, be it full or grown out. A little framing goes a long way around the face for women over 50, helping to soften features.”

Can You Actually ‘Boost’ Your Metabolism?

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Few bodily processes are as focused on and as misunderstood as metabolism. It seems like just about everyone wants to “boost” or “speed up” their metabolism in the hopes of burning more calories and, as a result, losing body fat. In reality, this is not an easy task, but you wouldn’t know that from the countless TikToks claiming it’s as simple as taking a shot of apple cider vinegar, hopping into an infrared sauna, or braving a cold plunge.

The truth? Many of these supposed hacks don’t have much research backing them up, and the ones that do won’t meaningfully move the needle when it comes to your weight. Improving your metabolism actually boils down to a few basic tenets that aren’t flashy or sexy but can have long-term benefits for your overall health and well-being. We’ll get into all that, but first, a little background on what your metabolism even is.

What is your metabolism, exactly?

Metabolism is commonly thought of as the mechanism that controls your weight. Having a “fast” metabolism means your body burns calories rapidly, making it easier to maintain or lose weight, while having a “slow” metabolism means you gain pounds more easily and have a harder time taking them off. This isn’t wrong, per se, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Your metabolism is the way your body turns food into energy. This energy is then used to power your heart and lungs, build and repair tissue, regulate hormones, and perform other critical functions.

Put more succinctly, “metabolism is all the chemical processes that keep our body alive and functioning,” explains Jonathan Gabison, MD, an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan who is board-certified in obesity medicine.

For example, about 20% of the energy your metabolism provides goes to your brain, building neurotransmitters and keeping signals going, so having an efficient metabolism is critical for cognitive health.

Can you “boost” your metabolism?

In short, yes. Your metabolism is influenced by loads of factors, from genetics and age to weight. But that doesn’t mean your metabolism is fixed. It’s actually highly modifiable, says Shebani Sethi, MD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University and the founding director of the world’s first academic metabolic psychiatry clinical program.

That said, taking shots of apple cider vinegar in the morning or picking up “metabolism-boosting” supplements won’t do the trick. Research shows that improving your metabolism requires consistent long-term habits. Here are five that can make an impact.

10 Best Face Sunscreens for Glowing, Healthy-Looking Skin

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does sunscreen work?

As beauty journalists, at least one person on our staff chats with a dermatologist on a near-daily basis, and nearly every single one emphasizes the importance of wearing a proper broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of, at the very least, 30. Wearing one daily (and reapplying every two hours) protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. As a refresher, too much exposure to the sun’s rays can result in long-lasting damage, leading to concerns like sun spots, skin sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, and so on. (UVA rays, for good measure, penetrate more deeply than UVB rays and can potentially lead to more aggressive skin cancers, including melanomas.)

As a reminder in regards to efficacy, let’s talk SPF, short for sun protection factor. SPF 30 guards against 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 is about 98%, and so forth. (SPF 15 only protects against 93%, which is why most dermatologists—and the Allure team—recommend at least 30.) The evidence is crystal-clear, so do yourself a favor, slather up, and consistently reapply facial sunscreen every few hours to minimize the effects of sun exposure—which, at its worst, can culminate in a skin cancer diagnosis.

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?

Sure, there are thousands of SPF products to sift through, but finding the right sunscreen for your skin tone and type can be tricky. Like any other skin-care product, personal preferences run the gamut. Those with sensitive skin may prefer mineral or physical sunscreens, which are formulated with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and “reflect ultraviolet rays off of them before the rays penetrate skin cells,” as Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, previously explained.

On the other hand, those who prefer their SPF to feel more like a lightweight serum or moisturizer (that’s also more likely to induce zero white or gray cast) will turn to chemical sunscreens, which “use chemicals that absorb damaging UV rays and convert them to non-damaging heat,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Heads up: Common chemical UV filters include avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and ensulizole. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two other chemical filters banned in Hawaii, and many companies have followed suit to keep them out of their ingredient lists.

Meet the experts

  • Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont
  • Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
  • May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
  • Shari Marchbein, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

7 Best Seamless Underwear I’ve Tried in 2026

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Seamless underwear FAQs, answered:

What is seamless underwear?

“Seamless underwear is engineered to be virtually invisible under clothing, by eliminating any bulkiness and protruding seams that can cause the dreaded VPL we all try so hard to avoid,” details Senior Lingerie Buyer at Boux Avenue, Nia Davies. “You usually won’t find any stitch seam details with seamless underwear; the seams are bonded together — using heat-sensitive adhesive, creating a join that is flush and smooth to the touch.”

Are seamless underwear better than, say, cotton underwear?

In short: yes. If you’re looking for a completely polished surface and unwrinkled outfit, sticky bras, strapless bras and seamless knickers are exactly the sort of thing you should opt for. Not only do seamless pants create a smoother appearance, but they’re also gentler on your skin. Think about it: how often do harsh seams and tight waistbands irritate you? If the answer is often, you know the solution. Seamless styles feel like a second skin.

Whether it’s a close-fitting wedding guest dress, skort, slip, loungewear or pair of gym leggings you’re planning to wear, don’t let your undies ruin it. You needn’t spend a fortune on ensuring your outfit is fail-safe, either; the high street has some top-performing options for you to shop alongside or instead of the designer lingerie brands.

What materials are best for seamless underwear?

“The best material for a true seamless look and no VPL lines is microfibre,” adds Nia. “This material offers a second skin feeling, by being able to be exceptionally thin, having a flat profile and great stretch to be able to comfortably adapt and fit the figure without digging in.

“Unlike cotton, which requires a hem or stitched binding to prevent fraying, microfibre is strong enough to be laser cut, creating a ‘raw edge’ for a true no VPL finish.”

What to consider when choosing seamless underwear:

When choosing seamless underwear, you want to look for styles ideally made with microfibre, offering a good stretch to adapt to your figure and raw edges,” details Nia. “If you were to choose underwear with a hem or lace detailing, this could still be visible under clothing and create a VPL.

‘If you are buying seamless underwear because you want it to be invisible under your clothing, colour is a key component to also consider. If you are wearing a white outfit, you will want to choose seamless underwear that is close to your skin tone for a truly invisible and second-skin finish under your clothing — if you were to choose a bright colour, this would still be visible under your new white dress.”


Meet the expert:


How I test the best seamless underwear:

We’re more than familiar with seamless underwear at Glamour UK, with multiple members of the team labelling them a ‘lifeline’ under close-fitting wedding guest dresses. And, because we are a diverse team with different body shapes, sizes, heights and so on, it was a team effort when it came to testing no-show underwear.

We each received one style and were asked to wear it a few times before rating each pair against the following criteria:

Functionality Were the seamless underwear completely invisible underneath my clothes? Did I have any issues in terms of slipping, twisting or irritation?
Design Was the seamless underwear aesthetic and comfortable? How many options do I have in terms of colour and pattern? And what was each pair made of — is the material sustainable and breathable?
Price point Would I be willing to spend that much on a single pair of pants again? Is it of good quality?
Delivery How quickly did my seamless underwear arrive, and what were the associated costs?

And, because we’re all different in terms of our body shape, size and desired support, I also asked my fellow Glamour editors to weigh in on which brands and cuts they love, which influenced the styles I tested for myself.

Unsurprisingly, only the seamless underwear that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly didn’t meet my standards:

  • H&M’s 5-Pack Seamless Thong Briefs, £19.99 — While this five-pack is super affordable, and I appreciate that most include pairs in different hues, I found the gusset was a little too thin, and, as a result, I occasionally felt like I was spilling out.

In terms of what I’m currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:

InvisiWear Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear

OYSHO 5 Polyamide Blend Invisible Hipster Briefs

Sloggi Women’s ZERO Microfibre Briefs


Why you can trust me:

As a functional fashion writer, I’ve been reviewing underwear, shapewear, activewear, and wellness products, including cotton underwear, sports bras, and period pants. for almost three years — that’s one year at Women’s Health and 18 months at Glamour.

To ensure I am an authority in these areas, I regularly attend press launches and interview clothing designers or brand founders, pressing them for answers to common FAQs and requesting their best shopping tips.

But I also personally review as many new releases as possible. Ahead of the summer dress season, I’ve been reviewing seamless underwear (and anti-chafing shorts to layer on top when needed) from the likes of Marks & Spencer, Calvin Klein and Boux Avenue to see which styles were comfortable, breathable, and left no hint of a VPL.

For context, I fluctuate between a UK 12 and 14, depending on where I am in my menstrual cycle (and how big a bowl of pasta I had for dinner). And while I tend to prefer a bikini-style pant, I tried a host of styles, from full briefs to thongs, ahead of drafting this exhaustive list of the best seamless underwear.

This article originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.

7 Tips for Building a Healthy Diet With Canned, Frozen, and Packaged Goods

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Certain influencers have built entire social media empires out of making everything from scratch. Oftentimes, their videos carry an implicit sense of moral superiority, suggesting that you’re not a good parent (or at least not as good as them) if you’re resorting to pre-packaged store-bought items. Those who pick their own produce and painstakingly hand-craft their own candy necklaces simply work harder, love their children more, are fundamentally better.

But this suggestion is hardly fair. For the vast majority of people—meaning those who don’t make their living off of wellness content or have near-endless amounts of time and money to burn—canned, frozen, and packaged stuff is almost always a far more practical option. “Groceries are a fortune,” after all, Anthea Levi, MS, RD, a Brooklyn-based health writer and the founder of Alive+Well Nutrition, tells SELF—and fresh items tend to be the most expensive, as a trip to the produce section of the supermarket will readily prove.

Besides the lower price point, canned, frozen, and packaged foods have one other major advantage: their staying power. “You can keep them in your freezer for months, so that often gives people confidence” in the purchase, since they know they don’t have an expiration date hanging over their head, Desiree Nielsen, RD, a recipe developer with a focus on plant-based nutrition, tells SELF. This, in turn, leads to reduced food waste: “Fresh salad greens are notorious for going slimy in the fridge, but you’ll never have that issue with frozen spinach. Ditto for fish. Fresh fish needs to be cooked ASAP before it turns, while frozen fish and canned or tinned fish last until you’re ready to use them,” Levi says.

Nielsen also takes issue with the basic idea that these options are somehow inherently inferior—“a big, big misconception,” in her eyes. “There has been a lot of confusion about the nature of these foods in general. Just because something is processed or packaged does not mean it’s unhealthy,” she says.

In other words, canned, frozen, or packaged items are often perfectly fine to include in your diet—and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed, ashamed, or inadequate if they make frequent appearances in your meals (or if they’re your first resort over fresh). “Constant access to fresh foods is, unfortunately, a luxury. If canned, frozen, or packaged items are the only way you’re able to put a fruit or vegetable on your plate, go for it,” Levi says. But if you’re still concerned about the health aspect, there are a few key ways to maximize the nutritional value and improve the overall experience. Here’s what to know to make the most of your freezer stash.

Is Kris Jenner’s Facelift Really Already “Slipping”?

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Kris Jenner’s facelift: So, we meet again.

Let me first acknowledge the eyerolls and criticism that this story may inspire and clearly state that I, too, think we are spending entirely too much time discussing this woman’s face. But over the past few days, it’s been impossible to ignore the renewed frenzy around Jenner’s current appearance and how she (and nearly every plastic surgeon on social) may or may not feel about it. And as a journalist covering the plastic surgery beat, well, here I am. So what’s behind the hullabaloo? A report from Radar, which reads: “A source close to Jenner told us, ‘Kris Jenner’s facelift is already slipping. She is not happy with the results and is desperate to get a revision—she feels it has not held the way she expected.’”

Is this true? Who knows? (Only Jenner and her surgeon, that’s who.) Still, plastic surgeons have been quick to post their various takes on Jenner’s alleged dissatisfaction. Some have criticized the SMAS facelift that Jenner supposedly received, suggesting the procedure doesn’t hold up as well as the deep plane facelift. Others have called these kinds of public jabs “a bad look” for the field, noting how they discourage transparency and erode patient trust.

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Charles Galanis, MD, posted in his stories that he heard “from a very reliable source that this [Jenner rumor] is actually not true and the celebrity in question didn’t express this.” He went on to say, “The number of people I’ve seen gleefully hopping on social media platforms to knock down the surgeon or knock down the cost or knock down the technique, it doesn’t sit right with me. I just think as a collective, we can do more to prop each other up or educate the masses in a positive way, without having to step on someone else to do it.” I’m writing with this in mind. We should operate under the assumption that the Jenner news is hearsay and that any related chatter is utter speculation.

Alycia Baumgardner Fight Tonight: The Undisputed Champ Hits MSG

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Photo Credit: IG@alyciabaumgardner

Alycia Baumgardner Fight Tonight is the only thing the girls are talking about because our favorite undisputed champ is back to handle business! Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner is stepping into the ring at Madison Square Garden tonight to defend her unified super featherweight titles against Bo Mi Re Shin, and the energy is already off the charts. It is such a boss move to see her headlining at such an iconic venue, especially because this fight is making history with three minute rounds, just like the men. We have been following her journey for a minute now, and there is just something about her “beauty and the beast” energy that makes us want to pull up and cheer as loud as possible!

For those who are just catching on, Alycia’s story is pure inspiration. Born and raised in Fremont, Ohio, she started boxing at the tiny age of six, so she has literally been a fighter her entire life. She isn’t just a powerhouse in the ring; she is also a Ford model and a total fashion girlie, proving that you can be soft and strong at the exact same time. She became the undisputed queen of her division by collecting every major belt possible, showing us all what happens when you stay disciplined and never take your eyes off the prize.

Tonight isn’t just another title defense; it is a statement for women’s boxing as a whole. Watching Alycia lead the charge for equal round times at MSG is a major milestone that we are so proud to witness. She has this surgical precision and lightning-fast hand speed that makes every one of her fights look like a work of art. We are definitely clearing our schedules for the 11 p.m. ringwalk because witnessing a legend in the making is the only way to spend a Friday night. Go get ‘em, Alycia, we are all in your corner!