Many women are inspired by the Instagram feeds of celebrities, who snap themselves doing boxing. US model and designer Karlie Kloss' pictures showing her punching bags have gone viral on Twitter, and dozens of Victoria's Secret models have been shown visiting a former champion boxer's studio for fitness lessons. Even pop singer Beyonce Knowles and former first lady Michelle Obama have demonstrated a love of boxing.

Influenced by this trend, Chinese actresses have turned their attention to fitness fighting. Zhang Yuqi, Lin Chi-ling, Liu Tao, to name just a few, are among the stars queuing up to participate in this sport on a regular basis.

"When women thumb through their smartphone screens and see the way hot-bodied film stars present themselves on social media, they just want to be as well-built as them. The next day you can picture the scene as they rush into boxing clubs to sign up," Ye says.

Fat-burning workouts

Huang Wensi, a professional Chinese boxer who won the Asia Female Continental Super Flyweight Championship gold belt in 2018, says boxing is "the best fat-burning exercise for office workers". Data shows that about 45 minutes of boxing can consume 500 to 800 calories.

"Focusing specifically on punching, ducking and foot movement, these exercises will improve reaction times and coordination as well as help people to tone up," the 31-year-old says, adding that "punching really sculpts your arms and shoulders".

Boxing can also be sociable. There is a kind of bonding in a class, which has around 10 to 15 aspiring fighters going all out and pushing themselves to their limits to the beat of high tempo music.