Hannah Robinson: “This next fight is massive for me.”

Hannah Robinson: “This next fight is massive for me.”

On the 18th April, Hannah Robinson gets her first taste of a title fight as a professional when she fights Charlie Sutton for the Commonwealth Silver super-lightweight bauble at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle.

“This next fight is massive for me,” Robinson told me. “It’s a real statement fight. Every fight at this stage of my career is about building momentum, but this one in particular moves me closer to where I want to be. It’s about showing levels, and that I’m ready to step into bigger title fights and compete over the championship distance, so I’m looking to perform well.”

“The Commonwealth Silver title is another step forward,” Robinson adds. “Having a title to my name adds credibility and visibility. It puts me in the mix and makes people look at you differently. I’m hoping it opens doors and brings more opportunities, bigger fights, better rankings, and stronger negotiating power. It’s about progression and positioning myself for the major titles.”

Robinson will also get to experience a ten-round fight for the very first time. The former two-time National amateur champion believes the extra duration will be of great benefit to her. “Ten rounds suits me,” Robinson says. “I’ve always had a good boxing brain, so having more time allows me to settle, read my opponent, and break them down properly. Over ten rounds, skill, composure, and conditioning really show. In my first couple of fights, I’ve been guilty of taking a couple of rounds to get into my flow, but this gives me the platform to relax into the fight and showcase everything I can do.”

Charlie Sutton will be in the opposite corner in April, and the 22-year-old will bring a 5-1 record into her fight with Robinson. “I don’t know much about Charlie to be honest,” Robinson admits. “But I’m versatile, I can adapt, and I’ll be ready for whatever she brings on the night.”

Hannah Robinson, who is unbeaten in five fights, turned professional with realistic hopes of fighting for and winning world titles. A victory over Charlie Sutton pushes her a little closer to realising those dreams. “After this fight, I want to keep stepping up. I want bigger titles and bigger nights. Ultimately, I’m chasing major honours, British, European, and then pushing towards world level. Every performance is about learning and levelling up. As long as I’m moving in the right direction and improving as a fighter, I’m happy.”