Inspired by Nicola Adams and Katie Taylor, Worksop’s own Nicola Hopewell has a title opportunity on the horizon. Finding the time to chill and rest up for her big chance is not going to be easy, as she explained to Mark Baldwin.
Sixty-Seconds: Nicola Hopewell
Age: 33
Nationality: British
From: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Record: 7-1
Trained by: Daz Medcalf
Next fight: I’m fighting for the IBO World title against Marie Connan in Sheffield on Saturday, 14th June 2025
When and why did you start boxing:
I started doing boxercise just to get fit, but as the class didn’t take off, I ended up joining an academy boxing class. I was told I could attend just for fitness, but one thing led to another. I started working on the bags, pad work, partner drills, and eventually sparring. Six months later, I had my medical and my first amateur fight.
Favourite all-time fighter and why:
I actually don’t watch a lot of boxing, but I will tune in for the big fights or the female fights. I’d much rather be in the ring than just watching it. When I started boxing, I always looked up to Nicola Adams and Katie Taylor.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The best show I’ve been to was the Boxxer all-female card in London at the O2 Arena in 2022. I really enjoyed the Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields fight. I also thought the whole build-up was great.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the Commonwealth flyweight title in April 2024 when I beat Gemma Ruegg on points. This was definitely a career highlight to date, as ever since I turned professional, I wanted to win a major title. But since winning the Commonwealth title, it’s only made me hungry to achieve even more.
Toughest opponent:
Emma Dolan. Emma is such an amazing fighter, and even though I lost the fight, it was my toughest test, and I learnt so much from that fight, which helped me to win the Commonwealth title.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is my work rate and my drive to always want to learn and better myself. I love drilling things to get them right until they flow naturally. My worst attribute is that I don’t like resting, and I find it hard to sit still, chilling. But I know I need to, so I do take some time out, but I always think there is something more to do.
Training tip:
Plan, if I don’t plan my day, I struggle. I work two jobs and train. I need to plan my meals, clothes, gym wear, etc. Planning and organising keep me on track.
Best friends in boxing:
Ebanie Bridges. Ebanie and I have been friends for years, but now we have the same trainer and train out of the same Sheffield gym. It’s so beneficial having Ebanie in the gym with all her knowledge, someone to look up to, and having a great sparring partner. I’m also good friends with Sylwia Doligala and Jasmina Zapatoczna, whom I see regularly for sparring.
What’s the attraction of boxing:
I love learning. Daz says I’m like a sponge, and in boxing, you can always learn new things. I also love the buzz on Fight Night.
Where would you be without boxing:
I’m not sure, to be honest, probably working full time and driven in a career. I have always worked around boxing, and more recently, I have taken a part-time job and also trained as a Sports Massage Therapist and started my own business.
What has boxing given you:
Boxing has given me confidence. I’ve never been a confident person, but as the years have gone by in my boxing career, this has grown massively. It’s also helped me grow as a person and have the confidence to get a new job and train in a new skill.
Who inspires you the most and why:
I’m not sure, really. I look up to people like I’ve already mentioned, like Ebanie. I feel like I inspire myself as I surprise myself all the time. I surprised myself, winning the Commonwealth title, and I surprised myself training in sports massage.
What one thing would you change to make the sport better:
Women to be treated equally to men. I have had a tough boxing journey and not had anything handed to me; I’ve worked hard all my career.
Best advice received:
Follow your heart. It’s probably a common one, but it’s true. Your heart needs to be in something to do your best and follow your dreams.
First-ever boxing memory:
Being abroad on holiday and going to my room to watch Nicola Adams win an Olympic gold medal.
Something not many people know about you:
I can knit. I once knitted myself a cardigan.
