The FightPost Top British Female Prospects

The FightPost Top British Female Prospects

It’s been another frustrating year for women’s boxing. There have been some incredible highs, but nowhere near enough of them. Despite the criticism of Jake Paul, his Most Valuable Promotions are flying the flag for the female side of the sport. MVP have signed the likes of Ellie Scotney, Chantelle Cameron, Terri Harper, and many others. Without the much-maligned Paul, I do wonder where women’s boxing would be right now.

But away from the bright lights of the main stage, we can be greatly encouraged by the plethora of up-and-coming talent that should be in title contention at some point in 2026.

Tiah-Mai Ayton: 3-0

After turning professional this year after an undefeated twenty-one fight amateur career, Tiah-Mai Ayton has certainly made a significant mark in the pro ranks. After a stunning debut in June
against Sara Orszagi, Ayton has followed that stoppage victory with two more. Three fights that have all ended inside the distance.

At 19, Ayton has her whole career ahead of her. But the likes of Katie Taylor and Skye Nicolson are already hailing Ayton as the future of her sport. Eddie Hearn is proclaiming Ayton as a potential superstar. High praise, but Ayton looks more than worthy of all the plaudits that are coming her way.

Ayton could be something special; the only issue might be holding her back. “I just want to work my way up, and I am hoping I can be a world champion in three years’ time,” Ayton told me in May. In truth, world titles could come a lot sooner than that.

Hannah Robinson: 5-0

After a slow start to her professional career, Hannah Robinson is now finding some real momentum. Robinson has made changes to her inner circle in 2025, and the former two-time National amateur champion is making great strides after a frustrating time last year when things just moved far too slowly for her.

Three fights this year have highlighted the potential of Robinson, and the next twelve months should see her move into the title picture at either lightweight or super-lightweight. A fighter with real potential who really should be fighting on a much bigger platform. With the Boxxer/BBC partnership about to begin, Hannah Robinson would be a perfect signing for Ben Shalom.

Harli Whitwell: 5-0

Harli Whitwell hasn’t been seen inside a boxing ring since April of last year. A lingering knee issue, which subsequently required extensive surgery, has kept the unbeaten super-featherweight prospect out of the ring. But Whitwell is nearing the end of her rehabilitation period, and a return is tentatively being planned for early next year.

Like Hannah Robinson, Whitwell has a touch of star quality about her, and she is a fighter who would be worthy of a place on the roster of one of the bigger promoters. Whitwell reminds me a little of an early Mikaela Mayer when she was fighting at, and winning world titles at 130. If the injury woes are indeed a thing of the past, Harli Whitwell could have a very big year ahead of her.

Gemma Richardson: 2-0

Gemma Richardson could be on a collision course with fellow unbeaten prospect Hannah Robinson at some point in the next year or so. A fight between the two would be more than worthy of a British title, or better.

After her amateur career ended in extreme bitterness, and more, Richardson has now moved on. And impressed. A mightily impressive 5th round stoppage victory over Tereza Dvorakova in June was a little indication of what will surely come. After a couple more learning fights, Richardson should be firmly in the hunt for titles by the end of next year.

Shona Whitwell: 2-0

Like Gemma Richardson, the amateur run for Shona Whitwell ended on a sour note, but there is every chance the former Team GB star will find success in the paid ranks.

Admittedly, it’s been a slow, somewhat frustrating start for Whitwell. A year that has only brought her two fights. But a recent early night against Alisha Lewis was a positive way to end her year. If the 27-year-old can find regular activity, the super-featherweight hopeful can look forward to much success. The older sister of Harli has real and genuine title potential. All she needs is the opportunity.

Jade Pearce: 3-0

The Carl Greaves fighter scored the best win of her career so far over the weekend with a comprehensive six-round points victory over the Commonwealth super-featherweight champion Kirsty Hill in Newark on Saturday night.

Jade Pearce is in safe hands with Greaves. She will find plenty of ring time, and like many on this list, will surely be involved in title contention within the next year. Pearce is a real sleeper in her division. She might be going under the radar at the moment, but that will surely change.

Fran Hennessy: 6-0

Fran Hennessy will launch the next stage of her career this weekend in Derby when she takes on Fabiana Bytyqi. As a result of the new Boxxer/BBC hook-up, Hennessy has a golden ticket to showcase her skills to a much larger audience.

The ‘Dancing Queen’ has star potential, and at 21, Hennessy has her entire career ahead of her. The unbeaten super-bantamweight faces her toughest test to date in Bytyqi, and if Hennessy can get past her and impress in the process, we will have a much clearer indication of her ceiling.

Charan Dhesi: 2-0

Charan Dhesi is another 21-year-old, but isn’t yet known to the masses. Like many on this list, Dhesi isn’t aligned to a major promoter, but that could change if she builds on her highly encouraging start to her professional career.

An impressive stoppage victory over Amy Greatorex in May on her debut was followed by a recent points victory over Katherine Quintana. If Dhesi stays around the super-lightweight ranks, she shouldn’t be short of domestic opposition as her career progresses. Dhesi is a very intriguing prospect.

Summary:

Despite the recent stagnation, women’s boxing should still be able to keep moving forward. The talent is undoubtedly there; they just need the fights, the platform, and the promotion they deserve. Hopefully, they get that in the coming months.