Nicola Hopewell Challenges Emma Dolan For the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Title

Nicola Hopewell Challenges Emma Dolan For the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Title

After just three fights as a professional, Nicola Hopewell will get her first chance at a title when she faces Emma Dolan for her Commonwealth super-flyweight title on Friday, October 6th on a GBM Sports show in Sheffield.

The fight with Dolan has been a long-time target for Hopewell. There were talks earlier this year, and again in the last few months, but finally, Hopewell and Dolan will get to share a ring together.

Hopewell saw a recent fight in Rotherham fall by the wayside just 48 hours before her scheduled ring walk and hasn’t had a fight since the early months of 2023. The unbeaten Worksop fighter told me, she is more than up for the fight. “I’m very excited for the fight. I haven’t fought since February so I’m hungry for the fight.”

Dolan carries more experience into their fight in October. Five fights, all wins including the victory over the Tanzanian fighter Halima Vunjabei in her last fight in March which earned Dolan the Commonwealth title. But Hopewell feels she is ready for her first title fight.

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot since my last fight and during the camp, and I’m going to keep improving,” a confident Hopewell told me.

The fight with Dolan will also be the first time Hopewell will experience the ten-round championship distance, but the extra mileage holds no fears for the unbeaten super-flyweight prospect. “I’ve been sparring 8-10 rounds for a while now. I’m excited to do more than 6 rounds. my trainer Daz Metcalf and I will adapt my training throughout the camp.”

Hopewell is respectful of the challenge that awaits her in October and knows her opponent is a class act. “I think Emma is a good girl and will be a good challenge for me.”

There is little doubt Dolan will be the betting favourite, but the Worksop fighter will leave no stone unturned for her first opportunity at a professional title. “I’ll do everything possible for me to get the win.”

The super-flyweight domestic ranks pack a small but talented roster, Dolan and Hopewell sit nicely amongst their rivals. It would be fitting if a British title could be added to their fight, but at the very least, it should be the gateway to one. But a British title or not, the winner will be looking ahead to some very big fights in 2024. Lauren Parker is challenging for European honours in the coming months, she will be very interested in meeting the winner of Dolan and Hopewell with two big titles on the line. Hopewell will be hoping she is the fighter who wakes up on October 7th looking ahead to those types of fights.