Boxer Bianca lands blow for sporting equality at 16

Now the 16-year-old has struck quite a blow after becoming the first female boxer from the club to be crowned National ABAE (Amateur Boxing Association of England) Junior Champion.

Her dream is to represent her country at the 2016 Olympics.

Bianca took up martial arts aged seven and her love of boxing has grown from there. She also has a black belt in Taekwondo and kick boxing.

Bianca said yesterday: "I liked the fighting side of martial arts and I had got as far as I could go with it so I wanted to try something else."

Three years ago, Bianca became the first girl to box at the Hunslet Club, in Leeds.

The Rodillian School pupil, who is doing her A-Levels and plans to be a PE teacher, hopes more girls will join her at the club.

She said: "More girls should try it. Come and join me here; I need more girls.

"Sparring with boys has stretched me and has helped me when I go to fights but it would be great to see more girls," she said.

Her father Tony, 44, of Middleton, Leeds, jointly trains his daughter with club coach Paul Savery. Mr Nixon said last night: "We feel really proud of her. Everyone has coached her at some time."

Anyone interested in joining the club should call the club on 0113 271 6489 or go to www.hunsletclub.org.uk for more information.