A SOUTHAMPTON boxing club has seen a sharp rise in the number of women taking up the sport.

Northam's Pound for Pound gym has seen a higher interest from women during their 45-minute lunchtime sessions, which include various high-intensity exercises including running and boxing, since moving to their new premises at The Palace on Northam Road.

It was previously based on Melbourne Street but moved for extra space and new facilities - where they have seen nine new woemn join each class sessions.

The club, which only used to run evening classes, experienced a higher demand in fitness sessions when they were asked to provide lunchtime sessions shortly after moving into the new building.

Fitness and boxing sessions are run by the club three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Director of Pound for Pound Steve Barnes said: "The women seem to love it and I've seen really good progress with them - I think the numbers have rose in female members because boxing has become far more socially-accepted now and they don't have to have contact to box.

"They enjoy a bit of fun as 85% of people do boxing to feel better and learn new things, which makes it more interesting, and I think more women love that side of things rather than boxing to compete and having full contact."

He added: "There are consistent women attending who are looking a lot better for it rather than going to Nandos for lunch or having cigarette breaks, and I take them for runs.

"It is a quick blast without a breather and it is very hard and well-conditioned.

"Leading gyms are marketing more boxing classes now and loads of people are interested in keeping fit."