Russian boxers wed in the ring

The newly-weds first exchanged vows - then blows

A Russian couple has begun married life with a ring ceremony - a boxing ring, that is, rather than a wedding ring.

The St Petersburg man and woman - who are both boxers - said they decided to get married in a ring because they had met in one.

"We thought it would be very symbolic to have our wedding here," said Nikolai Kibkalo, 40, and his new wife Natalya Karpovich, 31.

The couple met five years ago, when Mr Kibkalo began coaching Ms Karpovich.

She went on to become one of Russia's most successful female boxers.

The pair wore traditional wedding garments, but put on boxing gloves after the ceremony and exchanged mock blows.

One of the fellow boxers who attended the ceremony said: "I'm sure they will be a very good family because the not only love each other, but also have common interests."

Ms Karpovich said boxing could help women "improve their achievements and settle their personal lives".