Chinese boxer trounces stereotypes to become 'Queen of the Ring'
Huang Wensi narrows her eyes and swings her fists towards her opponent, delivering a series of sharp punches before the referee finally separates the two, who have been duelling for seven rounds.
"I made it, my son!" screamed the 29-year-old as she danced in the ring before her rival, Thailand's Jarusiri Rongmuang, from whom she snatched away the Asia Female Continental Super Flyweight Championship gold belt at the match in Taipei.
Huang and her assistant coach stand before a match. Huang's coach said, "Don't think about winning or losing, fight for honour. Think about your family."
Huang in action during a training session.
Huang in action during training.
Huang's husband Deng Peipeng, looks after their son while accompanying her on a training session.
Huang and her son wait to catch their last train back to their hometown in Lianjiang.
Huang and her husband Deng Peipeng spend time in their hometown.
Huang and her husband Deng Peipeng spend time together in their hometown.
Huang spends time with her son where she works, before sending her son back to her hometown in Lianjiang.
Huang and her husband travel for nearly a full day to bring their son back to their hometown where he will stay with his grandmother.
Huang and her father argue over family matters during a dinner at home. Due to a cultural preference for boys over girls, Huang's parents never cared much for her opinion, but her success as an athlete has improved her standing in the family.
Huang relaxes in her dorm after a long day training.
Huang applies makeup in her hotel room before a match.
Huang looks at her iPad in bed.
Huang is interviewed by a local tv station in Taipei. "I'm the only professional boxer who is a mother in China," she told them. "I hope more mothers will see this match. Besides family, they should also live for themselves."
Huang gets weighed to make sure she fits the criteria for the super flyweight category. Huang had received incorrect information about the weight limits, and was too heavy. She weighed in at 118 pounds, three more than the 115 pounds allowed.
Huang tries work up a sweat to lower her body weight. The tournament organisers gave Huang two hours to lose three pounds and drop below the category limit. If she failed, she would be disqualified.
Huang competes in her match against Thailand's Jarusiri Rongmuang.
Huang rests in her corner during a match against Thailand's Jarusiri Rongmuang.
Huang thanks the Taiwanese crowd after her match against Thailand's Jarusiri Rongmuang.
Huang celebrates her victory after the referee awards her a technical knock-out during the seventh round. This is her first golden belt.
Huang cries backstage after winning her match. Huang corrects people who come to congratulate her, telling them, "Don't call me a king," she said. "Please call me the queen of the ring."
