Hannah Robinson: Beyond The Ropes

Hannah Robinson: Beyond The Ropes

They say boxing is like any other business. In the early years, you make a loss. You have to put your own money in just to stay afloat. One fighter recently told me it would have cost her £1400 just for the privilege of being punched in the face. Trust me, that story is a frequent one. The price of being in the home corner.

Hannah Robinson knows that is what is expected of her. The former two-time national amateur champion turned professional in 2024 and has built up a solid resume of 6-0. A victory over Charlie Sutton in April earned Robinson the Commonwealth Silver and IBF European super-lightweight titles. Things are now moving in the right direction for her. The business end of her career.

Before that fight with Sutton, Robinson told me, “I have to pay my opponent fees. I also have to pay the sanctioning fees for the two belts that we are fighting for. Then we have the promotional fees to pay, and that takes it to just under £10,000. I rely heavily on fight sponsorship and people buying a ticket to come and watch to cover the costs. My first five fights have all cost me money. But I see it as an investment in my future career, but it can be disheartening at times.” The 32-year-old has invested heavily in her career. Robinson now wants a return on that investment.

Robinson will have fight number seven next month at the Sunderland Live Arena. It’s another stay-busy night. And another fight where the unbeaten prospect will have to dig into her pockets just so she can fight. But this should be the last fight that Robinson has to do this. She is close to seeing a return on her investment.

Katie Taylor had her final dance last weekend at Croke Park. A winning farewell that left Taylor leaving the sport the undisputed world super-lightweight champion. But her subsequent retirement has left the four major world titles vacant. Robinson, at the very least, should be in the running to fight for one of them early next year.

The IBF has Robinson ranked at number four; the WBO has her at number nine. Being so highly ranked should see the former amateur star finally start to see a return on what she has put into the early part of her career. Sooner, and not later, Robinson will get her opportunity to win a world title. Robinson will hope it has been money well spent.

Photo Credit: Andy Futers