Boxer Emma Dolan proved she’s got what it takes to thrive on the big stage as she secured her second career title in just her seventh bout.
The 26-year-old claimed a split decision victory over rival Shannon Ryan at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena to add the vacant British super flyweight strap to her Commonwealth title on Saturday night.
After showing no signs of jitters on the Matchroom Boxing show, which was screened live on the Dazn channel, trainer Carl Greaves is tipping his protege to mix it with the best.
“There are big things ahead for her and the next hope is to get a world title shot as they do move the girls up quicker than the men,” Greaves said.
“She’s definitely got a world title chance in the next fight or so.
“Now she’s under contract with Matchroom and they’ve got an option with her. Now we’re going to see what’s next.
“She’s ranked number nine in the world on BoxRec and number one in Britain.”
There’s no doubting the ambitions of the up-and-coming talent who left her family home in Norwich to relocate to Newark to work with Greaves.
And while the trainer admires the fire the Dolan’s belly, her lack of stage fright is another vital string to her bow.
“I get a lot of kids to a big stage and a lot of them freeze,” he said.
“I’ve had really good fighters who just couldn’t produce the goods on these big shows in the big fights.
“Some people can’t cope. But Emma’s one of those fighters where nothing phases her.
“She went in there and got the job done. She fought on a show with the biggest boxing company in the world and she coped well.”
Saturday’s fight was scored 94-95, 96-94, 96-93 as Dolan got the nod in the battle of the two previously unbeaten fighters.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Greaves reflected.
“There’s nothing better than a big win on a TV show. It was a massive platform and there’s no bigger buzz than that win.
“It’s ranked up there with some of my best wins as a trainer and manager. I’m over the moon.
“Emma’s become our fourth British champion. It’s amazing and a brilliant achievement as it’s only her seventh fight.
“She boxed to a gameplan, stuck to it and controlled it. The scorecard was a bit flattering for Shannon Ryan but most people thought it was a unanimous decision.
“All in all it’s really pleasing. But there’s still much more to come from Emma. She boxed within herself and could have pushed it more.
“But she didn’t need to, she controlled it how she needed to win the fight.”
