As you descend the stairs of Casey's Gym the faded posters which adorn the walls make it clear you are entering a male domain. Stars of the past and hopes of the future stare at you from behind their macho poses. But Casey's Gym is no longer a male reserve, and women are stepping into the ring.

Ana Lemos has been boxing for two years, and has been Thai-boxing for twice that. She is tipped to become a contender for the female heavyweight championship of the world, just as soon as there is an international organisation to award such a title. Ana took up Thai-boxing after she was punched in the face by a Hell's Angel. "It had nothing to do with self-defence, it so I could handle violence in a different way," says Ana.

Ana feels that more women should come into this environment to get women accustomed to violence towards them. "Not because I think they should get hit, but you don't want the first punch you see coming towards you to be coming from someone who really wants to hurt you. Women need to stop being the victims."

photos © Andrew Spain

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