THE Cotswolds may be better known for its rich rural beauty than pugilism, but a former prominent sportswoman wants to make it a centre for boxing.

Penny Mallory, who was the first woman to drive a World Rally car, is organising the Rumble in the Cotswolds charity white collar boxing night. Next June’s event at Chipping Norton Town Hall will raise money for Oxford children’s hospice Helen & Douglas House.

But while its name is based on the iconic 1974 Rumble in the Jungle fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire, this will be strictly for amateurs, who began training last week.

Chipping Norton resident Ms Mallory, a mum-of-two, said: “I’ve always loved boxing and have done as much as I can.

“It’s a great way to get people fighting fit and it’s for absolutely everyone.”

A national Ladies Champion rally driver in 1993, she went on to compete alongside male racers in the late 1990s. Since retiring in 2000, she has worked as a TV presenter.

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