SHE’S a working mum by day but come the evening she packs a punch.

The gloves are off for Tania Franklin, 32, as she heads into the boxing ring tomorrow.

The mum-of-two has been training hard and will be the only woman from Bicester taking part in Bicester Boxing Club’s Oxford Fight Night VII tomorrow night.

Not only is she fighting for the first time, but the boxer has opted to raise money for toys to be distributed to disadvantaged children this Christmas.

Mrs Franklin, of Villiers Road, said: “Bicester Boxing Club hold the fight every year and the blokes take it very seriously. I have been training for a couple of years but never been interested in fighting.

“My coach said about it and I thought well if I am going to do it, somebody needs to benefit from it, so I thought I would do it for children coming up to Christmas.”

Athletes from around the country will take to the ring, with a total of about 13 fights.

Mrs Franklin, a graphic designer for Kamae Design Oxford, has been training up to five times a week at the club, in Wedgewood Road, ahead of taking on her first opponent.

She will be giving away her commission from ticket sales – to be matched by Bicester Boxing Club – to the Salvation Army’s Christmas present appeal.

The mother-of-two said: “I made my children – Kadey, seven, and Angel, four – donate £5 from their piggy banks for children that do not get as much as they do at Christmas.

“My kids are so spoiled at Christmas, as I am sure all of our kids are, spending money on things they do not need.

“It is heartbreaking to think some children do not have that, Christmas is for kids and the fact some children do not get anything – I wanted to do it for them.”

So far Mrs Franklin has raised £300 for the appeal.

She added: “It can be really intimidating for women walking into boxing clubs but the club makes you feel right at home. I am very nervous but the guys are so supportive. So many people think boxing is just about beating people up but it really is about skill.”

Doors open for the Fight Night at Bicester Leisure Centre in Queens Avenue at about 7pm.

Tickets cost £25, of which £10 will go to the present appeal, and can be purchased in advance or on the night, subject to availability. Call 01869 600 367 or see the website uniqueringwear.com.