Boxing Exhibition In London March 8 To Benefit Charity

South London champ Simone Harvey plans to pack her punches against 20 different women to raise money for the women's domestic violence charity refuge. She will be sweating it out on the ropes in three minute rounds as part of International Women's Day celebrations at Miguel's boxing gym on Sunday, March 8, 2009.

Twenty sparing women will battle it out with Simone to mark International Women's Day and raise 2,000 GBP for the charity Refuge. Simone, a boxing coach and trainer, has been teaching women self defence in a Brixton boxing gym for eight years.

Harvey, 28, has fought professionally, representing England against Denmark and Holland in kickboxing and competing for the British title twice. She has been kickboxing ever since and now teaches women's self defence using boxing and kickboxing moves.

"I feel really passionate about this," said Harvey. "Domestic violence affects many women and they are traumatised for life not just for the moment. I personally know first hand what this does to a whole family and I think that the services that Refuge offer are vital to help them move on with their lives and become independent".

"I am doing this to put this issue on the map and of course to raise much needed funds for the charity. I hope by doing this we can help more women break free from the chain of violence and give them hope."

Miguel's boxing gym is located in Hardess Street, Brixton, London. The event starts at 3.30pm and runs to 5.30p on March 8.