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Title-winning boxer eyes international stage

Matchroom Boxing In a boxing ring in full kit, Emma Dolan raises her hands in victory next to her coach, as she is announced to have earned a split decision victory in Birmingham, over a disconsolate opponent, Shannon Ryan, pictured left.Matchroom Boxing
Emma Dolan (right) is ranked number three in the world by the International Boxing Federation

Norfolk boxer Emma Dolan said every fight in her career was "massive" as she hoped for an exciting end to the year.

The first-ever Commonwealth female super-flyweight champion and British title holder takes on the unbeaten Megan Redstall in December.

The Hockering fighter is undefeated, with seven wins to her name, ahead of December's fight in London.

A win for Dolan would pave the path for an exciting 2025, where she hopes to compete for bigger prizes internationally.

Matchroom Boxing Emma Dolan poses with her team wearing the British title belt in the boxing ring at Birmingham.Matchroom Boxing
Dolan trains in Newark, Nottinghamshire with manager Carl Greaves

Dolan, 26, said she was relishing the challenge of facing 23-year-old Redstall, from Wiltshire, who has won three fights and drawn one in her short career.

"It's good to be fighting another undefeated British girl," Dolan said.

"I could have a run out like some girls do and fight someone with 20 losses on their record, but I'm stepping up."

December's fight in London will be Dolan's third title defence and she has been taking the fight "very seriously", and looking forward to putting out "a big statement".

"You've got these fighters coming through and they all want something that I've got - that's what motivates me to train hard."

Matchroom Boxing Opponent Shannon Ryan stumbles in front of Emma Dolan in the boxing ring at Birmingham.Matchroom Boxing
Dolan gained a split decision victory over Shannon Ryan in Birmingham to retain her Commonwealth title and win the inaugural British super-flyweight title

The Norfolk boxer has not fought competitively since June, but has been training hard in the months in between.

"I'm not one of these people who aren't in the gym - I'm working on things, learning all the time," the Hockering fighter told BBC Radio Norfolk.

While winning the bout against Redstall would open up more opportunities for Dolan, there is also a measure of risk for the British title holder.

"Every fight at this stage in my career is a massive fight, because [if there are] any slip-ups, and you're on a downward slope."

Dolan tops the bill in her fight with Redstall at London's York Hall on 8 December.

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