A boxer of tender and grace

When you first see Li Xia, you probably would never think of such gentle and quiet girl as a boxer. The fact is she used to be a professional boxer on the national team and after her retirement, she opened a boxing club and became a trainer.

Li Xia started her boxing career at the age of 13. Her mother sent her to a martial arts boarding school, hoping she could improve her health and learn how to protect herself. Half of a year later, Li chose boxing as her major and got picked by Wuhan Institute of Physical Education.

Li Xia worked very hard to improve herself for the next 7 years at the institute, and her effort finally paid off. In 2002, Li Xia was selected as a member of the national female boxing team; then in 2004, she won the second place at WBC World Female Championship.

People may think a violent sport like boxing is never suitable for a girl, while Li Xia deems boxing as another way to illustrate the beauty of women. Like many other girls, Li also likes high heels and dresses. When she is not in the ring, she would put on make-up.

In January this year, Li Xia came back to her hometown Hefei, and opened her own boxing club with her brother. For her, it is the biggest dream coming true.