Just about a year ago, DABU (The Danish Amateur Boxing Association) decided to make an investment in the future for women's boxing in Denmark, by inviting the best women boxers in the world to Vejle to compete in the Venus Box Cup. The 4 days tournament ended Sunday, after 67 bouts fought out between 79 boxer from 15 countries. This was the first international women's boxing tournament held in Denmark, and the largest in Scandinavia so far.

No doubt DABU looks back on this venture with mixed feelings. The tournament was a success as far as the very high standard of boxing displayed, and the tournament appeared to be well organised, apart from the almost inevitable hitches with the computer scoring system. The participation of boxers from India, Canada, New Zealand, Russia as well as a number of European countries ensured an interesting variety of boxing styles.

On the downside. The tournament results in a substantial deficit for DABU, even after the financial support extended by the City of Vejle has been taken into account. Unfortunately, the opportunity to watch some of the best women boxers in action, drew disappointingly few spectators to Vejle Centret. Last but certainly not least; the 11 Danish women competing only resulted in one making it to the finals. To add insult to injury, the lone finalist - the country's best female boxer Vinni Skovgaard - announced her retirement from amateur boxing at the end of the tournament. (more about this later)

The largest and most successful team came from India, who will be hosting the World Championship next month. No less than fourteen boxers took the long journey to Denmark, but showed no sign of travel fatigue. Nine of them made it to the final, five of whom, go back to India with a Gold medal. It was evident, that the Indian boxers has been well trained in a style beneficial to computer scoring, i.e. emphasis on the number of punches rather than the power of them. The Indian girls not only showed good skills in the ring, but also came out on top in cheering on their team mates. Besides the many medals, the Indian team will no doubt bring back a lot of confidence for next months Word Championships in New Delhi.

France came out second with three gold medals, although it should be mentioned that one of them was won by walkover. Katie Taylor from Ireland, in my opinion the most accomplished boxer of the tournament, had to withdraw from her final against Lucia Bertaud of France due to injury. Poland won two gold medals, while Canada, Norway and Russia each won one.

All results and brief profiles of the boxers who competed in the Venus Box cup can be found here http://www.venusboxcup.dk/p14.asp

There will be another opportunity to watch top class women's boxing in Vejle next year in October, when the European Championships will be held there.