IT might not be the most orthodox of sporting paths to take, but Prestwich-based Sarah Dunne certainly packs a punch as a female boxer.

So much so, in fact, that she is through to the final of the prestigious Senior ABA Championships on Sunday, where she will face Portsmouth University’s Joanne Barrett in Mansfield.

The 22-year-old trains under Mick Jelley, Amir Khan’s former coach, at Bury Amateur Boxing Club, and she was introduced to the sport by her boyfriend, Brian Rennie.

“I just started going down to the gym to get fit, but I soon got the bug to take things on to the next level and compete,” said Dunne, who lists among her idols Lucia Rijker, who appeared in the film Million Dollar Baby, and Irish amateur champion Katie Taylor.

“I have always been sporty, but I love the adrenaline rush I get from being in the ring. It is like nothing else really.

“All of my friends struggle to believe I do this because I am not aggressive in the slightest, but I have always been a tomboy and into different sports so they understand in that respect.

“I can’t wait to fight in the ABA finals and I hope I can win the tournament.”

Dunne’s boxing career is still in its infancy, but two wins from two fiights uggests she has what it takes to succeed.

Her ABA adversary has won four out of her five fights to date, and Dunne’s coach Jelley is confident in the abilities of his new charge.

“I think she stands a good chance,” he said. “She trains hard and she is a naturally sporty girl.

“I think she is one of those people who is a good all-rounder – she is good at netball, athletics and now boxing. She is really keen and a pleasure to coach.”