Nicola Hopewell Beats Ivanka Ivanova On Points

Nicola Hopewell Beats Ivanka Ivanova On Points

Nicola Hopewell improved to 3-0 in outpointing Ivanka Ivanova on points at the Magna Centre in Rotherham on Friday night.

In her last fight against the tough aggressive Buchra El Quaissi, Hopewell had a tendency to rush and force her work and made her night a lot more uncomfortable than it needed to be in Doncaster late last year. But with lessons learned, the Worksop fighter in her first fight of the year impressively brushed aside the veteran Bulgarian fighter over six rounds, winning 60-54 on the referee’s scorecard. The score accurately reflected her control of the fight.

Hopewell took every round and can be proud of her night’s work and how much she has developed since her last fight in October. The opening two rounds were close before Hopewell asserted her dominance in the 3rd round, appearing to hurt Ivanova, sending her staggering back towards the ropes. Hopewell had another good round in the 5th, as her right hand found the intended target with increased frequency. Hopewell closed out the fight with more of the same in the 6th and final round and won with some degree of comfort. And class.

There was talk of a Commonwealth title fight before the fight with Ivanova, and that will surely be in her sights long before the year is out. Emma Dolan and Halima Vunjabei will contest that Commonwealth super-flyweight title at the end of March, and Hopewell, who could have been facing Dolan herself, will watch with much interest. A Hopewell Dolan fight would be a fight that would be befitting of a major card, and Matchroom or Boxxer would do well to look at showcasing that fight.

Hopewell 31, boxed with maturity, patience, and class against Ivanova, and all the hype and promise surrounding her career when she first turned pro doesn’t look to have been misplaced. Matchroom and Boxxer seriously need to look at signing Hopewell. A talented fighter and one that will only get better.

Photo Credit: GBM Sports