Women's boxing was illegal in most countries for much of the 20th century and wasn't accepted in the Olympic Games until 2012.
So why would Teresa Scott think of giving up her cushy publishing gig for a punching bag?
"I experienced a complete, just total mind-body-spiritual transformation through the sport," Scott, who began boxing in 2007, told CNBC.
At 35, the creative director was too old to compete, but she saw a need for female boxing trainers and gyms that encouraged and supported women getting into the ring. She began by teaching clients on the side and in 2012 quit her day job to devote all her time and energy to her company, Women's World of Boxing.
Read more about Scott's makeover below, part of CNBC's "Escaping the Cube."