AN appeal has been made for more girls to take up boxing to help a future Olympian who is struggling to find oponents.

Georgia O’Connor started boxing two years ago, but is already being tipped as a future Olympian – despite the fact she has not yet had a competitive bout.

After months of searching boxing clubs around the country, her coaches at West Durham Boxing Academy, in Crook , County Durham, have been unable to find anyone suitable to have a bout with the 12-year-old.

Coach Brian Wright said: “The only people we could find are abroad. We did line up one fight in London, but her opponent broke her hand so the fight could not go ahead.

“It’s frustrating for Georgia because she wants to be in the ring, but we just cannot find her a fight.”

Cliff Britton, who runs the academy, said: “We are always looking for new members, especially girls.

“Georgia is sparring with boys as old as 18, but the rules for an actual fight are very strict – she can only fight a girl within 12 months of her age and who is the same weight.

“Once she is 17, she can fight anybody, but until then we will struggle to get her a bout unless more girls take up the sport.”

He hopes the success of By Duncan Leatherdale duncan.leatherdale@nne.co.uk British boxers at the London Olympics will inspire other young girls to take up the sport.

Georgia, whose father, John, is a martial arts coach and former amateur boxer, was British taekwondo champion for three years in a row between 2008 and 2010.

The youngster, from Waterhouses, County Durham, who started taekwondo when she was five and won The Northern Echo’s Local Heroes Award for Most Promising New Talent in 2008, said: “I was going all over the place for fights which would only last a few seconds. So I decided to take up boxing as I thought it would be more of a challenge.

“My hope is to one day fight at the Olympics for Great Britain, but I need to have some fights first.

“It’s a great sport and keeps you fit and healthy and also lets you make loads of new friends.”

The club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6.45pm to 8.30pm. Each session costs £1.50.

Call 01388-762760 for details.