The company is searching for Master Franchisees across Europe that can establish gyms in locations ranging from retail strip shopping centres to freestanding commercial buildings to office campus areas, and also to develop sub-franchisee networks.

Founded in 1992, LA Boxing has opened eight franchised locations across the US, most recently establishing its first gym on the East Coast in Boston. "LA Boxing has gone nationwide," says President Anthony Geisler. "Our franchise network will now begin to fill in virtually every part of the country and we are using this momentum to launch our international expansion campaign."

The popularity of women's boxing sport has been growing for years, in part through the high-profile boxing careers of Laila Ali (daughter of Muhammad), Jacqueline Frazier-Lyde (daughter of Smokin' Joe) and Freeda Foreman (daughter of Big George). The main attraction for women is the aerobic workout rather than getting into the ring and sparring. "We burn anywhere between 800 and 1,000 calories in our one-hour class," says Geisler. "One woman shed 20 pounds in our boxing class, which entails high-impact warm-ups, stretching, shadow boxing and instruction, and bag work. The vast majority of our members are women who are interested in a cardio workout and enjoying the benefits of our fitness training."

Geisler estimates that the membership of LA Boxing gyms have enjoyed a 20-25 per cent increase in female membership and 12-15 per cent in male, thanks to 'Million Dollar Baby' and reality TV show 'The Contender'. "It's been nice because it's almost like a nationwide ad campaign for us. The biggest help is that every time Hilary Swank has been interviewed she talks about the 16, 20 pounds of lean muscle mass she built in a four month period of time. That's the big deal.

"We want business builders than can lead our development in new markets. Absolutely no previous boxing, kickboxing, training or health and fitness experience is necessary, not even for sub-franchisees. We have developed unique professional boxing and kickboxing training regimens which utilise a system and products that are proprietary to LA Boxing. The Master Franchisee will be able to offer a turn-key franchise and we will help source and train salespeople and recruit professional fighters as instructors."