Despite being just 21 years old, and having had only eight professional outings, Fran Hennessy is hoping to become an undisputed champion within the next 12 months.
Such a feat would eclipse the phenomenal achievement of Gabriela Fundora, who became the youngest-ever fighter, male or female, to hold all four major titles at once.
She did so at the age of 22, in November 2024, giving Hennessy roughly a year to make history by dethroning bantamweight queen Cherneka Johnson.
As the WBC mandatory challenger at 118lbs, Hennessy fully expects to be facing Johnson by the time their fight gets ordered.
Until then, however, the unbeaten contender has described Aurora De Persio as the “perfect opponent” to remain active against at London’s Wembley Arena, featuring on the undercard of Adam Azim vs Steve Claggett this Saturday.
While speaking with Boxing News, among other outlets, Hennessy also said she suspects potential rival ‘Sugar Neekz’ to have an unofficial date in the diary.
“I think Cherneka’s got a fight lined up already… but definitely, we’ll be pushing for that fight to happen. I’d love to be the youngest-ever undisputed world champion.
“In the meantime – until that fight gets done – I want to be active, and I feel like Aurora’s the perfect opponent for that.
“For me and my team, we believe [a WBC title shot might come] at the end of this year, or early next year. All I know is that, when that fight is called, I’m going to be ready – and I’m going to take it with both hands.
“If Cherneka keeps all the belts, which I’m sure she will, then I’ll be [mandated] to fight for all [four] of them.”
Entering her third fight on the BBC, Hennessy comes off a majority decision victory over Ellie Bouttell in January, when she was suddenly elevated to the main event after Azim’s showdown fell through.
This experience, she says, has only boosted her confidence and development, as not only did it involve the pressure of headlining a Boxxer show but she was also made to overcome a tough night’s work.
“It was incredible; it was a great fight; it was a dogfight, which I’m happy to have been involved in. I experienced all different things in that last fight.
“I walked out and, normally I’d just have cheers, but to have some boos as well made it a great experience.
“I was very nervous, and I think it was to do with being a headliner for the first time. I hadn’t experienced that before, and I’m only 21 years old, but I’ve now learnt how to take all of that in my stride.
“Back then, I put a lot of pressure on myself, whereas now I’m just a happy fighter.”
Already sitting on the cusp of a world title shot, perhaps even for the undisputed crown, Hennessy certainly subscribes to the old adage that a ‘happy fighter’ translates to a ‘dangerous fighter’, capable of defeating a top-class opponent like Johnson.
