Could Shannon Ryan vs. Emma Dolan Be Next?

Could Shannon Ryan vs. Emma Dolan Be Next?

After stopping Nicola Hopewell in two rounds on Saturday night in Wolverhampton, Shannon Ryan has many options ahead of her. A shot at the IBF world super-flyweight title could be imminent. But if that maiden opportunity on the world stage is later rather than sooner, a rematch with the only fighter to beat her is an obvious fight to make. A fight that ticks many boxes for both Ryan and Emma Dolan.

Ryan was incredibly impressive in beating Hopewell. While the odds strongly suggested that Ryan would win. Nobody saw it coming in the manner that it came. To be fair to the Worksop fighter, Hopewell had a decent opening minute, catching the oncoming Ryan with some sharp counters. But the difference in size and power quickly became evident as the first round continued.

Hopewell was caught with multiple heavy shots, and all of a sudden, an early night looked distinctly possible. Hopewell survived the round, but Ryan found her range again and rocked Hopewell to her boots before finding that eye-catching finishing right hand. Hopewell bravely got back to her feet, but her corner knew the writing was on the wall and saved their fighter from taking any unnecessary punches.

Ryan delivered a career-best performance in dismantling Hopewell, and since her defeat to Dolan in 2024, Ryan has looked like a reborn fighter. A change to her inner circle has made a significant difference. Now riding a four-fight win streak, including another good win over a domestic rival in Chloe Watson, Ryan looks ready for that world title opportunity.

Irma Garcia, the reigning IBF world super-flyweight champion, is coming off an impressive stoppage victory over Emma Dolan, and with Ryan her top-rated challenger, a future match-up between the pair looks likely. But if Ryan has to wait, surely the chance of revenge against Dolan would be attractive to her.

Emma Dolan still holds the British title and will look to make another run at a world title after her defeat to Garcia last month. The 27-year-old was stopped in three rounds by the Mexican champion, and another fight with Ryan would fast-track Dolan to the brink of a second bid to become a world champion.

Shannon Ryan is now in a privileged position. She currently holds the IBF Intercontinental and Commonwealth super-flyweight baubles, and adding a British title to her collection must be enticing for her. Especially, when it brings the opportunity of revenge over the only fighter to beat her in the professional ranks.

“I definitely want that rematch for sure,’ the 29-year-old told me last year. “I am ready for it, and I would love to avenge that loss.”

Dolan is very much interested in launching her comeback against Ryan. “It’s an option,” Dolan told FightPost. “I’ve never said no to that fight. I believe I beat Shannon Ryan ten times out of ten.”

Not many fights represent good business for both fighters. A second fight between Shannon Ryan and Emma Dolan does exactly that.

Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing