Brighton fight fans have an extravaganza of championship boxing and live music to look forward to on Saturday (September 4) as a host of fighters aim to impress on the ‘Battles on the Beach’ show.

Taking place at the Brighton Hilton Metropole in a joint promotion by Sportanarium and Assassin Promotions the packed bill is headlined by Worksop’s Nicola ‘Hurricane’ Hopewell, a highly regarded prospect with four inside the distance wins from her four bouts.

The 29 year-old will be taking on experienced Argentine Cristina Pacheco over ten rounds for the WBL European Flyweight Championship and is relishing the opportunity to finally box in front of a large crowd having had to box twice with no spectators due to Covid.

She said: “I’ve missed the crowds. When you walk to the ring they lift you up, and so I’m really looking forward to this show.

I last boxed at Ashford and there were 200 people, but this venue holds 1000! I really can’t wait.

“Pacheco is a lot more experienced than me so I’m expecting a tough but exciting fight, definitely one the crowd will love.

“Each one of my fights is about stepping up a level. This will be my first ten round fight too, I’ve sparred ten rounds but it’s different in an actual fight.

Hopewell is hoping to make a statement in the bout and move on to bigger things in her career.

She said: “My trainer Chris Boyle and myself are confident I’ll be fine though. I’ve some people coming from Worksop to support me, so I think the atmosphere will be really good!

“I’m very excited to be boxing for my first championship and I’m going to make a statement in this fight and move on to bigger things.”

An assistant manager at Wilko’s when she is not punching for pay, Hopewell is promising a great show for the fans who are in attendance:

She said: “I promise anyone who attends that they’re going to see an exciting ten round fight, don’t miss it!”

The 12 fight bill also includes former five time amateur national champion Hollie Towl (pictured below), who boxes for the WIBA / PBC Youth Featherweight Championship as well as former amateur champion Elle Coulson who fights for the WIBA / PBC International Middleweight title.

The Argus:

But with three female fighters making up the top of the bill Trevor Lake of Sportanarium is delighted to be showcasing up and coming female fighters from across the country.

He said: “This is the first show that I’ve promoted in Brighton, and with three female headliners it’s a fairly historic occasion.

“They’re all competitive fights and I believe boxers should be tested which of course makes for very entertaining bouts.

“I’m particularly excited about Nicola who will be stepping up a level in this fight, but I think she can go far.

“We also have some boxers making their professional debuts. I rate all the fighters on the show quite honestly, and I believe it’s going to be a terrific night.

“We also have the popular band ‘Citylightz’ playing so there’s more than just boxing!

“My last promotion in Ashford was testing the waters after Covid, but the response was terrific and I’m confident the Brighton show will be even better.

Lake is also guaranteeing a great night for the spectators who come to the show.

He said: “All the Covid precautions are in place so it is a safe environment for spectators.

“Those in attendance are guaranteed a fantastic night’s entertainment, not just with the boxing but also with ‘CityLightz’.

“We’re bringing boxing back to Brighton after an absence of some years, so come and see some rising stars of the game and have a great night!”

Tickets for the ‘Battles on the Beach’ show can be purchased at https://race-nation.co.uk/register/sportanarium/battle-on-the-beach with prices ranging from £43 for Balcony tickets to £73 for ringside sets.