I’m a ring girl: This is how much I earn, what it’s like being splattered by blood and why I will NEVER date a boxer again

Mother-of-three Gemma Jones has been a ring girl for more than seven years

The 37-year-old has worked more than 700 events and earns up to £500 per gig

Jones revealed the job is not for the faint of heart and can at times lead to abuse

Ring girl Gemma Jones has laid bare the harsh reality of her profession after more than seven years and 700 events in the industry.

The 37-year-old, who often can up to two events in one night, earns up to £500, covering MMA, cage fighting and bare knuckles bouts, a report has revealed.

The mum-of-three juggles her combat – and parental – commitments with another job as a skin treatment expert. And she lifted the lid on the bloody reality of the ring.

‘You have to be prepared to be covered in blood, particularly at a bare knuckle fight,’ she told the Sun. ‘And then at the end you often get hugged by the fighters, and covered in sweat, and the loser sometimes ends up crying so you get soggy from their tears.

‘I always feel sorry for the loser, they’ll have trained for months and it’s such a blow to their pride.

‘The crowd can kick off in a fight and I’ve nearly been hit by a beer bottle.

Ring girl Gemma Jones has laid bare the harsh reality of her profession after years in the industry

The mother-of-three revealed that she can often get covered in blood, sweat and tears during an event

‘But my worst injury was during a cage fight. I was in there while they warmed up and one of the fighters accidentally pushed me and I ended up with my face pressed against the bar.’

Jones loves the job and believes that fondness is necessary, given the small sums that are paid out for shows. She revealed the pay ranges from £120 to £500, meaning there is a need to supplement her income.

One aspect of the life that she vows never to return to is dating some of the talent. Jones, who now professes to be a happy relationship, has sworn off boxers after having her heart broken by a cheating ex.

‘Four years ago I did date a boxer for a few months until I found out in the worst way possible that he was a cheat,’ she continued. ‘I love boxing and was in the audience for a fight when my friend told me not to look behind me.

‘I did and right behind me was my boyfriend and another woman who it transpired was actually his girlfriend of years.

‘It all kicked off and he even blamed me and tried to accuse me of causing problems – and it turned out I wasn’t the only woman he’d cheated with.

‘While some of the boxers are lovely, others think they’re God’s gift to women and are very arrogant. I’m never going to risk getting one of the bad ones again.’

Other occupational hazards include infrequent abuse from men normally accompanied by a girlfriend. According to Jones, that combination makes for a particularly vocal – and offensive – male viewer.

The 30-year-old can earn up to £500 per event and she can do up to two a day

Jones paints a vivid picture of life as a ring girl, an environment that is not for the faint of heart

On the issue of whether she feels exploited, parading round the ring, scantily clad and with the eyes of the arena transfixed on her, Jones insists that is far from the truth.

She added: ‘It might sound awful, but I think it’s fine – the bottom line is it is about looking gorgeous in the ring.

‘It would be like someone wanting to be an accountant who can’t do maths.

I used to be a model before my best friend asked me to join her doing this. I love my job and don’t think it’s exploitative at all.

There are boxers who for religious reasons don’t want us in the ring with them and that’s fine.

And if there are going to be children at the show we cover up more and wear leggings rather than skimpy shorts and long sleeves.’

Jones paints a vivid picture of life as a ring girl, an environment that is not for the faint of heart. Yet, she would not discourage any of her daughters following in her footsteps and, in fact, welcomes the ‘banter’ from school friends who have discovered her job.

‘At the moment neither of them are keen,’ she added. ‘But they think it’s a ‘cool’ job. I find it funny that Caitlan’s friends found my Instagram and always go on about me being foxy.

‘She isn’t embarrassed though, she’s good at banter and gives as good as she gets.’