A GWENT policewoman is set to become the first woman to box for Wales when she competes in an international competition.

Jesse Jones, 25, pictured, a PC in Newport, was picked to fight in a tournament in Finland later this month - the first time a woman has represented Wales in the squared circle.

Miss Jones, a flyweight, started amateur boxing just two years ago, and has only had four competitive matches.

She said: "I feel very proud. Women's boxing is much bigger in Europe and I'm looking forward to taking part."

Miss Jones was selected to represent Wales at the Tampere Cup in Finland from October 19-24, after impressing judges at a squad meet with ten other women boxers from across Wales in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.

She said: "It's all happened very quickly. I went to the Welsh squad session for women last weekend, and this week I had a phone call inviting me to go to Finland. I can't believe it.

"I have done contact sports ever since I was young. I took up boxing because I wanted to try something a bit different.

"Women's boxing is controversial and people are shocked when I say I am a boxer.

"But I have the backing of my friends and parents. "I had to win over my mother as she wasn't keen, but she's very supportive now."

Miss Jones had her first competitive bout after a year of sparring with men at St Joseph's boxing gym in Newport. She won two of her four fights, but had to fight English women as she could not find any Welsh opponents. Chairman of St Joseph's Boxing Club Roy Chambers said: "She is a really nice young girl who is dedicated to the sport and a very talented boxer."

Tony Williams, the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association national coach, said: "Jesse surprised and impressed me with her skill and ability, and when Finland asked if we could provide a couple of female boxers I felt Jesse was up to the task.

"It's a first for Wales and I'm sure Jesse will do us proud."