Kingston Boxing Club trainer Freddie Barr says the sport is taking off among girls.
Barr first opened his doors to females 21 years ago.
He said: "I was probably the first trainer to have girls at the gym in 1980. I don't really like it myself, but if they want to do it they are welcome to.
"Sports like athletics benefit them in terms of fitness and the same goes for boxing.
"They can do things like skip faster and are fitter than the boys. I once had 20 girls in my gym do certain things none of the boys could manage.
"In my opinion boxing is the best sport for discipline and they have thrived on it."
But Barr does not believe girls should be professional boxers.
"There is nothing wrong with boxing in amateur circles over two or three rounds but I'm a believer that girls shouldn't punch each other in the face," he said.
The club have training sessions available for junior boys and girls on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4pm to 5.30pm. Call 020 8255 7418.
November 23, 2001 17:30
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