Peru moms celebrate their day in the boxing ring

[May 11, 2010]  LIMA, Peru (AP) -- Forget brunch. Sports promoters in a Peruvian city are honoring its mothers by inviting them to slip on gloves and head protectors and try to punch each others' lights out.

Sunday's Mother's Day bouts took place in a grassy, makeshift ring in Huancayo, at 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) above sea level.

Ten women took a day off from farm work to spar in three-round bouts while clad in "polleras," the colorful, embroidered skirts typical of the Andean region.

Some were knocked down by powerful blows, but quickly got back up.

Promoters said the success of Peruvian boxer Kina Malpartida, the current world super flyweight champion, is inspiring women in Junin state to take up the sport.

About 200 spectators were on hand.

[Associated Press]

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