Burmese Python fighting for equality in the ring

A British woman who made history as a leading competitor in Burmese Bareknuckle Boxing is calling for equal opportunities for women in combat sports.

Nicola Barke, 31, who studied at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, is ranked number two in the world in Lethwei - an intense form of Burmese martial arts.

In the ring, she is known as the "Burmese Python," a name that nods to both her mother's heritage and her fearless fighting style.

Ms Barke has carved out a place at the top of one of the world's most brutal sports - a discipline that allows headbutts, punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and no gloves.

"Lethwei has taught me to manage my mindset," said Ms Barke.

"Instead of feeling like the underdog and seeing the male-dominated environment as a negative, I flipped it on its head.

"I thought, 'I've got an opportunity to represent lots of other women who are going to be coming through.'"

Ms Barke last competed in the sport of Lethwei in 2020

Ms Barke's journey into martial arts began at university, a far cry from her childhood training in ballet.

Her nickname, the "Burmese Python," was coined early on - a symbol of both her cultural roots and her coiled, aggressive energy in the ring.

In 2020, she was invited to compete in Myanmar - the birthplace of Lethwei.

Arriving in her mother's ancestral home, she was stunned to see her face on billboards around the country.

"Competing in Myanmar was surreal," she said. "I look back and think, wow, I'm really proud to have done that.

"People don't realise how much courage it takes to step into the ring - especially in a sport as brutal as this," she explained.

Ms Barke juggles professional boxing with her demanding career in banking, where she oversees a team of 170.

Now a respected name in boxing, Ms Barke is using her platform to call for gender equality in combat sports.

"Whether it's about getting the same opportunities or even just equal pay as a female athlete - we're still not there," she said.

"I speak to male fighters who've never had to negotiate or fight for fair salaries."

Her path has not been without struggle.

Born with narcolepsy, Ms Barke has survived a near-fatal car crash, battled post-traumatic stress disorder, and in 2023 was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Ms Barke has faced many health challenges

However, she was told the tumour was benign, and she has continued to train and compete.

Now, alongside fighting, she's turned to coaching, with a focus on helping women realise their potential - both in sport and in the workplace.

"In my job, I see women who want to progress but don't feel like they have a valued voice or an authentic path forward," she said.

"That's why I'm so passionate about coaching. We need more inspiring, authentic leaders fighting for change."