This case is about discrimination on the basis of sex among female boxers in California. Prior to 1976, professional boxing was limited to men. Plaintiff Shirley Tucker (nicknamed "Zebra Girl") of Santa Rosa was one of a small number of licensed professional female boxers in the state. She wished to challenge the Athletic Commission's rule against male-female boxing matches, as well as the related SAC rule that "limits all fights between female boxers to four rounds." Tucker argued that this rule "seriously restricts her income, because four round fights are not favored by promoters, and the fees for such fights are considerably smaller than for ten round fights." The ACLU argued that this rule was unconsitutional on two counts: 1. it denied Tucker equal protection, and 2. it also denied her due process. They write: "A female boxer's right to pursue her chosen profession free from arbitrary governmental interference is protected by the due process clause."

The ACLU appeared before the Athletic Commission board in Los Angeles to argue on Tucker's behalf. The board, lead by Don Fraser, Exective Officer, expressed doubt but agreed that they would allow mixed-gender fighting after observing "interested fighters during sparring sessions before approving a mixed bout."