Sheffield star Nicola Hopewell targets glory against Shannon Ryan
Sheffield-trained world champion Nicola Hopewell faces a rare ‘win-win’ opportunity when she takes on Shannon Ryan in Wolverhampton on May 2.
Hopewell, 34, will step into the ring against the 27-year-old IBF inter-continental champion knowing victory will bring her two new belts - while defeat would not cost her world title status.
The Woodhouse Boxing Club-Sheffield Kings fighter, who lives in Worksop, is set for her first outing since becoming IBO world flyweight champion in the city.
That title win at 112 pounds capped a rapid rise that saw her step up from Commonwealth champion in 2024 to world honours in July 2025 at Skate Central.
Ryan brings strong credentials into the ten round contest, at super flyweight.
The Watford fighter, who represented England in the amateurs before joining the professional ranks, holds the inter-continental belt at 115 pounds and has built her record against solid domestic opposition, with one defeat on her slate.
She has developed a reputation for her high-tempo, aggressive style and has become a regular feature on major cards, particularly in London.
For Hopewell, the bout presents both opportunity and limited risk - it is without the usual consequences attached to a world champion stepping in against a dangerous opponent, with her IBO belt not on the line.
The Commonwealth super fly title is on the table though and would certainly be worth adding to her flyweight version of the same belt.
Hopewell has made it clear she has no intention of standing still, and says the May show will be the "big stage" - streamed by DAZN - she has been craving.
The contest in Wolverhampton's Civic Hall offers Hopewell the chance to strengthen her position as a world champion and move towards bigger fights.
Ryan is a Matchroom asset, and therefore regarded as the home fighter.
It is a Matchroom bill, one which features Rotherham's Junaid Bostan, who is making his comeback after a below par 2025.
The headline event is the Midlands derby between Conah Walker and Sam Eggington.
Meanwhile an announcement is expected soon on Callum Simpson's next fight.
His perfect record suffered its first defeat in December when he lost his British, Commonwealth and European Super Middleweight battle with Darlington's Troy Williamson.
After the loss Simpson said: "This setback doesn’t define me. I’ll learn from it, regroup, and come back stronger."