FEMALE boxers from Italy are coming to Oxford to fight against girls and women from around the UK at an all-girl boxing event next weekend.

It is set to be the biggest all-female event run by any club and will see boxer Amy Andrew compete.

The gala, called The Italian Job, has been organised by Terri Kelly, founder of This Girl Can Box, a campaign and fundraising initiative that aims to path the way for females in sport raising the profile of female boxers.

Miss Andrew supports grassroots boxing for girls across the country through the campaign, and believes it helps other women in a predominantly male sport have access to and enjoy the benefits of boxing.

She said: “This Girl Can Box is a game-changer as it raises money to provide opportunities in the sport like competitions, squad days and camps which are needed if young girls are to progress and stay committed to it. This is vital because it’s through grassroots that we will produce our next Olympic Champion.

“Not only will this help us to find the next Nicola Adams, but what people don’t understand is boxing as a sport provides a lifeline to so many people from all different backgrounds and keeps them on the straight and narrow. Girls - not just boys - should have access to that opportunity.”

Miss Andrew will be fighting at the boxing gala, held on February 23 at Berinsfield Boxing Club, along with 12 boxers from Italy and women from around the UK.

They will be doing Olympic style boxing where they will need to get as many points as they can to win.

Miss Andrew quit her job as a journalist to pursue her passion for the sport.

The 33-year-old, who now boxes for Haringey Boxing Club in London, fell in love with boxing after entering a charity fight and has recently had her first international experience competing in the World Championships in India.

Her coach, Ms Kelly, said: “I was lucky enough to see Nicola Adams win a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics but there is still more to do to achieve parity, more to do to creating learning and competitive opportunities and more to do to raise the profile of women in boxing.

"They deserve the same opportunities as men and I will continue to be a thorn in side until we get there."

The gala starts at 2pm and anyone can watch. Donations can be made on the day or via the This Girl Can Box gofundme page.