Female boxers will have the chance to show just what they are made of at the National Finals of the Female Boxing Championships in Gorton.
The finals will be at the Boxing School of Excellence at Cedar Mount High School Sports Hall on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June between 12.30pm and 6pm. The event marks the culmination of the 2009 tournament which has seen 154 female boxers compete.
The competition has seen a 50% increase in contestants this year illustrating the continuing growth in female participation in the sport. Interest is particularly high at this time with a decision imminent by the International Olympic Committee regarding the inclusion of women's boxing events in the 2012 Olympics.
The Centre, which officially opened in March, is a dedicated boxing training facility and home to the Gorton Amateur Boxing Club. It is also used for Boxing Coaches and Officials Courses, Seminars and Elite Squad Sessions as well as Major National Championships such as this.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture & Leisure at Manchester City Council said: "We are delighted to see this fantastic facility hosting this important event in the boxing calendar. The Centre is already having a positive influence on local young people by involving them in the sport, and we believe this particular event will assist in attracting the interest of young women in the area.".
The championships this year have included events for school girls, juniors and seniors. Included in the finals line up are well known England Boxers Hannah Beharry from London, Chloe Fairhead from Kent, Sharon Holford from Rotherham and Natasha Jonas from Liverpool.
Tickets are £10 for those over 10 years old, and £5 for those under 10 years old and are available on the door.