Emma Dolan is a name that is quickly becoming synonymous with women’s boxing in the United Kingdom, writes Rob Currell.
The undefeated (7-0) super flyweight fighter originally hails from Norfolk but has been in Newark, Nottinghamshire training under former world champion Carl Greaves for the last couple of years.
Since she began training under Greaves, Dolan has fought three times resulting in the capture of two titles and the defence of her first — the female super-flyweight Commonwealth title.
Dolan became the inaugural champion by beating Halima Vunjabei from Tanzania at the Newark Showground in March last year.
Dolan made a successful first defence of her title on October 6, 2023, defeating a highly fancied and tough Nicola Hopewell by unanimous decision in Sheffield.
She would then go on to win the inaugural British female super-flyweight championship, against Shannon Ryan in a televised bout which took place in Birmingham on June 22, this year.
During press conferences Dolan is always composed but ready to fire back a sharp quip when required.
She has an unfazed approach that sees her stroll casually into press conferences as effortlessly as she has been strolling up the ranks.
It is a style that translates in the ring where she has explosiveness on demand, a level head and a humble but unshakeable self belief in what she is capable of achieving.
Dolan spoke to Manc Sport about her journey before she moved to Newark and started training with Carl Greaves.
“After a successful amateur career representing England I went on to turn pro and I had my professional debut by stoppage September 2021,” said Dolan..
“I then went on to box in October and December winning both bouts on points and then had my last fight while based in Norwich the following July winning that by points.
“I then decided to make the move from Norwich and after looking at few gyms I came across Carl Greaves’ location and I organised to come up to meet him.
“I instantly clicked with him and was impressed with his work ethic.
“I continued to trial there for six weeks before ultimately deciding to move to newark and training with Carl full time.”
“So far it has been good and I’m enjoying every second of it.
“I am learning and growing as a fighter under Carl.
“It’s been fantastic here in Newark, people really took me in with open arms and I’ve received great support in sponsorship.
“The community have really got behind me with my boxing career.
“It’s so lovely to meet so many nice and genuine people, I owe everything to Carl.
“He’s really transforming my game as a fighter.
“Obviously I train hard and put the graft in but at this level everyone is training hard and in these 50/50 fights having a knowledgeable and experienced man guiding me like Carl is a massive advantage.
“He fills me with confidence and we are becoming successful as a team.
“The results so far hasn’t really sunk in so far to be honest, they’re brilliant achievements that I’m sure I’ll appreciate more once I’ve retired.
“For now I want to just keep improving and moving forwards in my boxing.
“I think I get my self belief from how I am as a person but also From the hard work I put in and continue to put in every day.
“I’m keen to learn and want to take everything in like a sponge.
“I’ve got great trainers at the gym to teach me so it’s a winning combination.
“In the next year I want to of won the European title and be looking move towards the ultimate goal of a world title.
“I coach the amateur kids with Adam Kettleborough (former fighter) in the week.
“I’ve really enjoyed helping the next generation and watching them grow as fighters and people.
“I also PT and take some fitness classes which is great fun too.
“Whether you want to compete or just learning boxing for the fitness/ interest it’s a great sport that you can learn a lot from if you give it a go.
“If you’re competing then dedication will get you far.
“Leave your ego at the door and take on board what your coach tells you and enjoy it.”
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