60 Seconds: Meet Hannah Robinson, the Sugar Ray Leonard fan who makes her pro debut on May 4

Fast Facts:

Age: 30

Twitter/X: @robbohannah

Nationality: British

From: County Durham

Height: 5ft 7ins

Stance: Orthodox 

Record: 0-0

Division: Super-lightweight

Next fight: May 4, which will be my professional debut


When and why you started boxing:

I’ve always been really sporty, but I first fell in love with boxing after watching the Rocky films when I was about 13. I persuaded a mate from school to come and try it with me. She left after a couple of sessions, but I became obsessed.

Favourite all-time fighter:

Sugar Ray Leonard. I love watching his fights. He was such an exciting fighter with lightning-fast hands and class footwork.

Best fight you’ve seen:

Old school, I’d say Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns. But more recently, Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano. It was a fantastic showcase for women’s boxing.

Personal career highlight:

Winning my first ABA title for Birtley Boxing Club. This opened up a lot of doors for me, leading to an assessment for GB boxing. I knew I wanted boxing to be my life after that.

Toughest opponent:

I’ve boxed some of the best girls in tournaments all over the world, so I have had a lot of tough opponents.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:

I think my best attribute is my versatility, I’ve worked hard to become a well-rounded fighter. My worst attribute is that sometimes I can overthink and be too self-critical.

Training tip:

Make sure you work hard but enjoy it. Trust the process and good things will come.

Favourite meal/restaurant:

Cereal, I could eat it morning, noon, and night.

Best friend in boxing:

My former Team GB housemates Shona Whitwell and Kerry Davis. I’m so grateful to have shared my journey with these girls. We always find a way to laugh and have fun despite all the gruelling training sessions.

Which other athlete would you like to be?

I always admired Jessica Ennis. She was the ultimate all-round athlete and was an inspiration when I was growing up.

Last film/TV show you saw:

I’ve just started watching the new series of Kin and also, Black Mirror on Netflix. It’s brilliant.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Everyone at school used to think I Iooked like Hannah Montana, so probably Miley Cyrus.

One thing you would change about professional boxing?

I think having more judges would give fairer scores and less controversial decisions such as having five judges instead of three.

Have you ever been starstruck?

No, not really. Although when I first started on Team GB, training alongside Anthony Joshua felt a bit surreal at the time.

Last time you cried:

Probably the last time I lost a boxing match, I hate losing.

Best advice received:

Practice gratitude, and appreciate the people, experiences, and things you have in your life.

Worst rumour about yourself:

Hopefully, there isn’t any.

Something not many people know about you.

I am a black belt in taekwondo, and I am studying a Masters Degree in Sports Nutrition.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years: 

I’d have accomplished my dream of becoming a multi-weight world champion. I’d probably be retired by then, but I think boxing will always be a major part of my life. I’d love to coach and use my experience to help others get to where they want to be. My degree in nutrition will also be useful for life after boxing.

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