Women can take part

Don't worry your eyes are working, that was in fact a woman knocking another woman out in the exciting sport of boxing. Many feel boxing is primarily a sport for men but I am here to argue against that as boxing can lead to a successful career for women, and I would encourage everyone to give it a go.

Boxing has been a difficult sport for women to get into in Britain and it wasn't until the 1990s that people started to recognise that women could take part. Former European title-holder and veteran of women's boxing Sue Atkins played a major part in making sure females were included in the sport. The British Boxing Board of Control were having none of it but Atkins didn't give up. In 1994 she started her own organisation, which was known as the British Ladies Boxing Association.

This gave a lady called Jane Couch some inspiration to make a difference and she filed for a sex discrimination case against boxing's governing body, which she won leading to licenses being set-up for women's boxing in 1997. Couch went on to fight in the very same year winning in a second round knockout over Simona Lukic. Couch's desire and bravery to battle the boxing world was a sign of change in the sport it gave new hope to lots of women.

So 14 years on you would think there would have been significant change and it's fair to say there has been. Almost 40% of boxing gyms around the UK now involve girls and women. Even in schools there is now clubs designed for girls to get involved with the sport with many in attendance.

Another huge change is that women's boxing has now been accepted into the Olympics. Starting from the 2012 games, women will have the chance to showcase their skills and fight for the medals. Three weight classes were added to the Olympics in London and this seems to be another positive step. Women's boxing has come on leaps and bounds with now 120 international federations having female boxers.

More women are now taking part in boxing then ever before

Some may argue that it's not right to see women fight or that they will get hurt more easily but I don't see any difference. It is a persons choice if they want get involved and I wouldn't blame any woman for doing it because it can lead to lots of money and success. Of course people will get hurt but that happens all the time in men's boxing so I don't see the issue.

It's a great time if you are a woman wanting to get involved in boxing because there are so many opportunities now. As I have previously stated in other posts, the amateur boxing UK website has much more information on women's boxing and what it takes to get started. Hopefully when I am sat watching the 2012 Olympics in London I will see lots of medals being won for Great Britain in women's boxing because a bit of exposure will take it forward even more.

Khan vs McCloskey-Reviewed

Khan in celebration once again

As promised I am today writing a review on last night’s fight between Amir Khan and Paul McCloskey, so sit back and enjoy.

My prediction was true as Khan came out as the winner but the fight ended in controversy after it was stopped in the sixth round. A clash of heads caused a cut to the left eye of McCloskey and referee Luis Pabon ruled that he was unable to continue.

As it was ruled an accidental clash of heads the decision went to the scorecards in which Khan had won all six rounds for a 60-54 victory. Things turned ugly at the end of the fight as McCloskey’s promoter Barry Hearn yelled ‘it’s a ****ing disgrace’ as he felt the fight should never have been stopped.

The cut didn’t look that bad and I was very surprised and also annoyed when the fight was stopped so I understand Hearn’s anger. It’s now a question of whether it was accidental or not as Khan was going in with his head and this isn’t the first time he has cut someone this way. In his victory against Marco Antonio Barrera, Khan clashed heads again and he won this fight due to the cut.

Although it was a controversial night in Manchester, Khan still showed some of the skills that have made him one of Britain’s top fighters. His sheer speed and accuracy was too much for the Northern Irishman who rarely showed much comeback.

It was no surprise that all six rounds went to Khan as he was the one showing the signs of aggression and also the fact that his shots were landing. McCloskey was proving to be elusive though, his southpaw stance and ability to slip Khan’s big shots meant he always had a chance.

McCloskey did manage to land a few big shots and if the fight did go on, maybe one of these shots could have put Khan on the canvas. It wasn’t to be though as the two came together in the sixth round and the fight was ended. Khan believed he would have won the fight easily anyway and I would agree. It was a difference of class as predicted and now Khan will be looking towards a world unification fight against American Timothy Bradley.

I feel that would be a tough fight for Khan though because even though he is looking sharp, his defence still looks dodgy and he does get caught too easily. I have added a poll on my blog on whether you believe Khan can beat Bradley, so get voting.

Timothy Bradley could be Khan's next opponent.

Only three days to go

Will Khan light up Britain once again?

On Saturday night Britain will welcome back one of it’s biggest stars as he aims for another comprehensive victory. Of course I am talking about the WBA Light-Welterweight Champion Amir Khan. Khan will be taking on fellow Brit and European Champion Paul McCloskey.

As much as I like to see two British stars fighting, I feel this fight is a serious miss-match. It will be a great fight to gain publicity for British Boxing and also for people to go out to the MEN Arena and enjoy themselves but I don’t see this one lasting long.

Khan is a massive favourite to see of the unbeaten Northern Irishman and it is no surprise why. Since his 2008 defeat to Breidis Prescott, Khan has gone unbeaten whilst improving all the time under star trainer Freddie Roach. It will be Khan’s first fight in the UK since the demolition of Dmitriy Salita in 2009. The 24-year-old followed this up with a stoppage win against Paulie Malignaggi and a point’s decision victory over Marcos Maidana in one of the fights of 2010.

If Khan carries on this form then for me there will be only one outcome in this fight but McCloskey is no mug and he will be motivated by the fact that Khan lost at the MEN Arena to Prescott. He is also unbeaten in 22 fights with his last five wins coming by the way of knockout. McCloskey can be tricky fighter with his southpaw stance and he will aim to use this to his advantage.

Being the European Champion has gave McCloskey some tough opponents so he will be up for the challenge. His hunger and drive is typical of a true Irishman, he took this shot staright away and he will be very determined. But fighting a world class fighter like Khan could be dangerous.

If I were a betting man, my money would be on Khan to win inside the first six rounds. You never know with boxing, anything could happen so make sure you tune into Primetime, which is available on Sky channel 480. It will be another big British event and you will not regret it.

Also I will be writing my first proper review of the fight, so come back on Sunday to check that out.

Another way into the sport

Do you watch that video and think, I would like to be a part of something like this, but I know I am not the type to be a boxer. Well if so then this is the post for you.

As I have mentioned before, my aim is to try and get you watching boxing or taking part. If you are not the kind of person who feels as though they have the strength and desire to fight inside the ring then maybe a role as a trainer or cut-man could be something for you.

Becoming a boxing trainer can be hard but it’s a career that can lead to lots of money and success. The trainer in the video is Freddie Roach who is one of the greatest boxing trainers ever and he now trains British star Amir Khan. Roach is a highly respected figure and has earnt a lot of money so he is a role model for trainers. Most would say you need previous boxing experience if you want to become a trainer but this is not always the case. If you have a passion for the sport and know enough about it then you could still do a great job. Also it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, with the knowledge and desire anyone can go far.

As a cut-man you don’t really need any boxing experience, it’s more experience of dealing with cuts and having the knowledge to know what to do in a situation when a boxer is cut. This could apply to people who have done medical courses or have even worked as doctors or nurses. Once again just because the role is called ‘cut-man’ this doesn’t mean to say women can’t take part.

Freddie Roach is estimated to have made £15 Million Pounds from boxing training

I bet you are thinking this sounds like a great idea to make some easy money but it’s not that simple, as both jobs require a lot of hard work and time. You first need to become certified which involves taking tests to make sure you have the right skills to help others. It also takes a lot of dedication to do either role because you will be working with a fighter, trying to help them prepare mentally and physically.

My advice if you are interested in any of these roles is to get as much experience as possible. This will only help you get better and will put you in better shape for the tests. Also watch as much boxing as you can, as a vast knowledge will give you even more skills to showcase.

It will take a lot of dedication but if you like the sport enough or get into the sport enough then it is worth a go. Get down to your local boxing gyms to find out more and hopefully I will be seeing more of us Brits getting involved in one way or another.