Fighting a vastly experienced opponent at an iconic British sporting venue in front of a live TV audience of 100 million is not what you’d expect from your average 18-year-old.
But then Hannah Turner is not your average 18-year-old – the fistic phenomenon is one of the best fighters in the country, and scenarios like the above don’t faze her in the slightest.
Lucky then, for that is exactly what she faced this past weekend when she stepped into the ring at the Super Fight Series Championship Art of War event, at the iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green.
Across the ring stood Chinese superstar Zhang Ye, set to be cheered on by millions watching live in her homeland. It’s a situation which would daunt even the most battle-tested of fighters.
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Indeed for Turner and her team from Unit 1 Gym in Bury St Edmunds, the first they knew of her foe’s experience and ability came during the pre-fight introductions, when Ye’s record of almost 30 pro fights with 22 wins was announced.
But Turner, who has less than 10 professional fights to her name, didn’t bat an eyelid.
“We didn’t know anything about her,” said the University of Suffolk student, who saw several opponents drop out in the run-up to the event. “That was the first time I heard her record, but it didn’t bother me – that’s fighting.”
What followed was an absorbing clash between two highly skilled technicians, Turner landing her trademark thudding low kicks, while Ye found success with her right hand.
After three rounds, it was Ye’s hand which was raised as the victor on points, but Turner came away content with her showing.
“I was happy that I did as well as I did,” she explained. “I had to stand and take more shots than I would normally because I had to cope with injuries and illness in my training camp, so I wasn’t as fit as usual.
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“But it was a great experience, a learning experience. It’s a fantastic show to be involved with and they’ve asked me back for all their shows, which is brilliant.”
Next up is likely to be the promotion’s King of Kings show on June 24 at the same venue, while a trip to Ye’s homeland also beckons.
For now though, Turner’s looking forward to watching her handiwork on Sky Sports this Monday at 9pm.
“Seeing my name on the Sky Sports planner is a bit weird, but it’s good,” she said. “I’m just planning to keep taking all the opportunities I get.”
- Turner also thanked all her coaches - led by Richie Gent – and training partners at Unit 1, plus osteopath Jim Hurden who helped her cope with injuries in her training camp.
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