Marlow Prado-Blankenship, left, and Barbara Bartolomeo exchange blows during a sparring session.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Marlow Prado-Blankenship, of Germantown, started boxing three years ago and has sunk her teeth into the sport.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Barbara Bartolomeo, of Germantown, makes sure her head gear is in place before taking on her best friend.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
"They don't get it," says Barbara Bartolomeo, when asked about people's perception of two women boxers in their forties.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Michael Coles, who as a younger man trained with Sugar Ray Leonard, watches the two women during training.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Marlow Prado-Blankenship takes a break from exchanging punches.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Michael Coles checks out Barbara Bartolomeo after her nose was bloodied.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
At the end of the day, Barbara Bartolomeo, left, and Marlow Prado-Blankenship and still embrace.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Barbara Bartolomeo learned boxing and kick-boxing years ago so she could meld the techniques into exercise classes she teaches.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Both women stand 5 feet 4 and have almost perfectly toned bodies that have come from years of teaching exercise classes at the Washington Sports Club in Germantown.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Barbara Bartolomeo sees how much she can stomach, with the help of as class member Vera Evans.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Marlow Prado-Blankenship takes a breather from teaching class.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Marlow Prado-Blankenship, left, and Barbara Bartolomeo joke with club member Lawnie Taylor.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Marlow Prado-Blankenship receives a hug from husband Dave.
The Washington Post
Gallery Credits:
Producer, Photo Editor Stephen Cook
