Nicola Hopewell Signs With Dennis Hobson

Nicola Hopewell Signs With Dennis Hobson

It was just before Christmas in 2021. A Dennis Hobson fight night in Sheffield. An evening at the Ponds Forge. Nicola Hopewell was on the hunt for pastures new.

Hopewell was looking for her way in once her old boxing world had finally been left behind. A belated and much-needed switch to a more accepted side of the sport. At the time, Hopewell didn’t have a manager. She didn’t have a promoter. Hopewell was actively looking for both.

The country was still in and out of Covid restrictions. Face masks were supposed to be worn indoors at public events. In truth, not many bothered that night. We would later find out that those who were making all the rules didn’t bother that much either.

Hobson had been battling many things that week. Fights had fallen through. But somehow, the show was saved. From memory, it was a four-fight card. Tommy Frank won a decision over one Charles Tondo. Frank, a die-hard Sheffield United fan, has some story, by the way. Hobson was high on Frank at the time. Before Covid, he was on a roll. When boxing returned, he was one of the early victims. Two surprise defeats stopped his momentum. The fight before Tondo, Frank had won the British title. Hobson kept the faith and backed his man. He has a habit of doing exactly that.

Hopewell was there at that show. She was looking for guidance as her professional career proper was about to begin. The Worksop fighter met with Hobson after the show had finished. Terms were offered. Hobson wanted to sign Hopewell. He liked what he saw and thought he could do something with her.

But Hopewell went elsewhere. Although, somewhat ironically, that professional debut eight months later was on a Hobson show at Bramall Lane. Like Tommy Frank, Hopewell spends time supporting the red and white of the city. She called it a dream debut. In many ways, it was.

Hopewell is now six fights in. In 2023, she lost her unbeaten record in a Commonwealth title challenge to Emma Dolan at super-flyweight. A fight where lessons were very much learned. A move down to flyweight gave Hopewell a second opportunity at Commonwealth gold earlier this year. A tough but deserved victory over Gemma Ruegg in April gave Hopewell her first professional title. But like many, Hopewell has been inactive of late. She hasn’t fought since her win over Ruegg. A possible double-title showdown with the European Champion Chloe Watson was lost when it seemed the obvious fight to make. A missed opportunity that should be revisited.

Nicola Hopewell needed something, or someone, to move her on. Flitting around various promotions is fighting without a plan. Without direction. Hopewell needed both. She needed to be treated as a priority.

Hobson never lost interest in Hopewell. Virtually every time I saw him at a show, Hopewell was mentioned in conversation. You sensed at some point they would end up working together. And they have.

Hopewell returns this Saturday at the Skate Central in Sheffield live on Fightzone. A first defence of her Commonwealth title against the heavy-handed Nigerian Mary Aina Abbey. A fight that will finally see Hopewell and Hobson on the same page.

A three-fight deal will see the two in mutual harmony with hopes of it ending with more titles. Hopewell has always believed that she is capable of winning a world title. Hobson believes he can deliver her one. Both will now hope that is how their story will end.