ELLIE James had her first-ever boxing bout.

The 17-year-old took on the more experienced Lucy Watkins, in a hard-fought and spirited contest in Guildford.

Essex University Boxing Club's James has been keen to take part but a lack of girls in her 50kg weight category makes matching a nightmare at times, even though more girls are taking up boxing.

Working behind her left jab from the opening round saw James short on her range, with her opponent landing with the counter.

Keeping her shape, she pushed forward but was unable to land any worthwhile punches.

Not to be dispirited, James took the centre of the ring in the second round and started to land her jab.

Watkins replied in similar fashion and followed up with right hands.

This was enough to give the first two rounds to the Guildford boxer.

However, James shows big spirit in training and this was evident in the last round, when she started to find her range and was landing solid left jabs that knocked Watkins' head back.

The Essex Uni boxer produced a good round but it was not enough to win the contest.