Warriors of a feminine persuasion

Samantha Kwok. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

Women of all ages and sizes can take part in white-collar boxing. All they need do is sign up with theorganizers, who will direct them to specialized boxing gyms for a training regime that lasts about three months.

Training at gyms connected with China Sport Promotions costs between 2,100 yuan ($320) and 3,000 yuan and it is mandatory for anyone who wants to take part in bouts, mainly because it is part of the stringent safety measures aimed at ensuring no one is seriously injured in competition.

Apart from the assessment of fitness and boxing techniques, one's chances of being selected for fight night depends on the availability of an opponent with a similar physique and of a similar standard.

Regardless of gender, boxers competing in a white-collar bout are required to wear head gear that will help absorb the impact from blows and reduce the chances of facial injuries. Boxers must also wear special gloves that reduce the impact of blows, gloves that have much more padding than those worn by professionals, which are in fact designed to transmit shock.

White-collar boxers are allowed to fight a maximum of three rounds, each lasting two minutes. In professional boxing. The limit is 12 threeminute rounds for men and 10 twominute rounds for women.

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