HAS YOUR OPINION OF WOMEN’S BOXING CHANGED IN RECENT TIMES?

Andy Lee Former

WBO 160lb titlist

No, my attitude hasn’t changed. I think it’s great to see female boxing get recognised. It’s long overdue. The strength in depth may not be there, compared to male boxing, but talents like Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, Nicola Adams and Natasha Jonas deserve to be highlighted.

Dave Coldwell

Top trainer

Yes, because of the talent that has come through in the last year or so. Seeing the top fighters perform, I just look at them as boxers, rather than women boxers. But that standard needs to run deeper down the rankings so that the fights are competitive on a regular basis.

Andy Clarke

Respected commentator

I saw a lot of Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields in AIBA boxing, so their progress has come as no surprise. The top fighters are very good; the current problem is a lack of strength in depth, and therefore a difficulty in making attractive matches.

Gareth A. Davies

Telegraph correspondent

Without question. Women’s Olympic inclusion shifted the paradigm. Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor and Nicola Adams have raised the game. Promoters are more interested than fans, but the profile is rising. They are beginning to headline.

‘I JUST LOOK AT THEM AS BOXERS, RATHER THAN WOMEN BOXERS’