After Laura Sapertsein (pictured) quit Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in 2007 to become a professional boxer (see video below), she found herself lamenting the "sexist attitude" of "the old men in charge and some of the boxing fans".
With women’s boxing only legalised in 1996, one can imagine achieving acceptance in this new career must have been even tougher than, say, making partner at a leading law firm as a woman. Of course, if you can't beat 'em, you could always retire and launch a range of boxing-wear emblazoned with the slogan "Violence is Pretty"...
To be fair to Sapertsein – who started out as a lawyer in Australia before moving to London to join Freshfields as an associate specialising in M&A in 2001 – the "Violence Is Pretty" T-shirts are merely one of many pieces of gawdy boxing-wear sold by her new company, Boxxerworld.
Launched last year after Sapertsein decided to hang up her gloves upon turning 40, Boxxerworld – not to be confused with the excellent Boxerworld – appears to be going strong, having signed up several top fighters to wear its clothes. Doubtless the "fiercely original" nature of the styling has contributed to the company's success, too. For this, Sapertsein clearly owes a debt to her mum.
For boxing fans, there are more clips of Saperstein in action here.