History, pressure and overcoming prejudice - Pu's life as a referee

Amy Pu became the first woman to referee a professional boxing match in Britain on March 2, 2024, officiating the bout between Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham. Pu shared with BBC Sport that she has encountered prejudice and skepticism throughout her career, with some individuals questioning her ability to handle the sport. Despite these challenges, she has persevered, driven by her passion for boxing and a desire to prove her capabilities. Her historic appointment marks a significant step for women in professional sports officiating in the UK. Pu has been involved in boxing for over a decade, starting as a ringside official before progressing to refereeing amateur bouts. She aims to continue breaking barriers and inspiring other women to pursue careers in sports that have traditionally been male-dominated. The fight, which took place in Birmingham, saw Davies win by unanimous decision over 12 rounds.