Pound for Pound

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

Ireland | Friday, July 5, 2013 | 5 photos

I study photography in Dublin and to be chosen for this would give me an unbelievable opportunity to improve my skills and witness a completely different world through photography. Recently, I looked at the changing world of boxing in Ireland. The impact of Ireland’s first gold medal in women’s boxing at the London Olympics in 2012, has been the catalyst for wanting to explore what it takes for women to train and perform at this level. This event created a ripple effect as young women are now joining boxing clubs on an unprecedented scale. They too want the opportunity to become part of the boxing community and gain recognition and respect. Photographing in clubs across Leinster, the images attempt to document this important moment in women’s boxing. Additionally, the visual and material culture of the gyms and clubs are revealed as important background detail in the shots. The women and girls propose a performance of their own femininity while simultaneously radiating intensity and physical strength. Their dedication, ambition and passion for the sport is striking while nonetheless they still struggle to be taken seriously or at least as seriously as their male counterparts.