Women and Girls
Boxing for women and girls in England is on the increase. Some women start by taking part in fun, recreational boxing in schools or youth clubs, or through boxing related exercise such as boxercise. This is a great start to see if you like the sport and to gain confidence.
Others go straight into a boxing club and start to box. Boxing gyms are set up to take people from beginners to advanced stage, so don't think you will be the only one there who has never boxed before.
Traditionally boxing has been male dominated, but this is changing. Almost 40% of boxing gyms have classes that specifically cater for women and girls. Use our club finder to find details of your local club. You can also speak to our National Programme and Participation Manager, Tom Gilbert, directly and he will guide you and answer any questions you might have about getting started in boxing. Tom's details are at the bottom of this page.
Women should dress in clothing that enables them to train comfortably and safely. A sports bra is essential to ensure you are comfortable. For training you will need a tracksuit, trainers, t-shirt, and shorts. For competition you will need boxing boots, club vest and boxing shorts. Protective hand bandages are also essential.
Hair should be tied back or in a bandana, head scarf or hair net. In competition it is essential that the boxer with long hair plaits it and wears a bandana or hairnet, hair grips are not allowed for safety reasons.
When sparring and competing, amateur boxers must wear a mouth guard at all times, as well as protective hand bandages and force absorbent head gear. Female boxers are also recommended to wear breast protectors and must wear a crotch protector.
Contact: Tom Gilbert - National Programme and Participation Manager
07872 820363
tom.gilbert@abae.co.uk
Yorkshire photographer Lee Karen Stow has been working on a project about women's boxing, called Girls in the Ring.
You can view a short photo video created by Lee, featuring the first ever women's world boxing champion Barbara Buttrick below.