A former model who wanted to become the first woman boxer to represent Britain at the Olympics has been barred from the ring - because she has breast implants.
Sarah Blewden, 25, took up the sport two years ago to keep fit and hoped to enter competitive bouts after discovering she had a natural talent.
But the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) turned down her application on the grounds that the breast enlargement she underwent in 2003 put her at greater health risk.
"International rules forbid anyone with breast implants continuing to box because of risk of damage to the breast tissue," said Tony Attwood, chairman of the ABAE.
"The natural breast tissue is pushed forward in front of the implant and it is this that is more at risk."
Repeated punches to the breast could also lead to distortion known as capsular contracture, he said.
Miss Blewden from Poole, Dorset, who runs a hair salon, said that the decision was "ridiculous" and said she would be happy to pay for corrective surgery to repair any damage to her 32C breasts.
