ÌMy name is Rihanna (Hanna) Holden. I was born in the Philippines but moved to Abu Dhabi when my mum married the man who is now my Dad. I came to England in 2016 at the age of 6, and became British in 2017. I became interested in boxing at the age of 10 when after becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of sparring in Karate. I was already a Brown Belt, but our club never entered any competitions. I joined my local boxing club in October 2019 and managed to do 3 skills bouts before COVID closed everything down in March 2020. Once COVID restrictions were relaxed I began to compete and have had a total of 6 bouts. My first four bouts got me to the point where I became the England Schoolgirls champion for under 57kg, and I was lucky enough to get selected for England to compete in the European Championships in Turkey. I fought twice in Turkey, winning Bronze.
I realised early on, in fact on the first time I ever climbed into the ring that I loved Boxing, and wanted to train more than I was, so I looked for a club that was right for me. In November 2021 I found my home in Phil Thomas School of Boxing, and I have never looked back. It is a great club, a real family and I love it.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I am lucky to have met my sporting and boxing hero, Savannah Marshall. I like her style and quiet confidence as I am a similar personality. I have tickets for her fight with Clarissa Shields in September and will be supporting her to win! I was really fortunate to get some supporting messages from her prior to and after the national championships – which is another reason why I am a fan, as she spends time supporting the next generation. I am also a huge fan of Troy Williamson who is also a member of Phil Thomas School of Boxing. Troy is one of the most dedicated of boxers I have ever seen, but he always takes time to support us, and helps us train. He is an inspiration.
What does it mean to be a boxer?
My Mum and Dad gave me the opportunity to try many sports to see which one I liked. My Dad was keen I got into swimming, because that was his sport when he was a kid. I also tried football, hockey, gymnastics and Karate, but none of them made me feel the way I feel when I box. I love it. I don’t know why really, but I enjoy the team spirit in the club and I love the thrill of competing. Once the bell goes, all I want to do is fight. I think Boxing will always be part of my life now.
What kind of diet do you prefer?
I love food, so boxing helps me eat healthy which means I can maintain my fighting weight.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have a big family, so we are always busy. If I am not boxing, then I am at the gym or running. If I am not doing that I am trying to look after my 6 year old brother, doing my chores or homework! If I had my way, I would sleep as I love sleeping, but my dad won’t let me!
What is your favourite quote?
“ If you never know failure, you will never know success”. I think it is a quote from Sugar Ray Leonard. It means more now than it did before as I have now felt what it feels like to lose in the ring and it hurts, especially after having done all the training. I don’t like losing – I have tasted it now – and that feeling will drive me forward.
If you could share the ring with any boxer, past or present, who would it be and why?
Savannah Marshall. I want to fight my hero.
What one word describes you?
Can I have two? Humble and determined
How do you prepare for a bout?
I won’t divulge any secrets but I like to rest the day of the bout
What do you hope to achieve in the sport?
I want to fight for my country in the Olympics
After boxing what do you hope to do?
I want to stay in the world of sport. If I go to University, I want to do a degree in Sport/Business Management. If I go professional, I want to be undisputed world champion
What is your biggest achievement to date?
Most definitely the 2022 England Schoolgirl Champion <57kg as winning that after only four fights in my first real year of boxing was a huge achievement for me.
What was your toughest bout?
My toughest bouts have been the England national final and European Semi Final simply because of the level of competition. They have taught me a lot, especially how to manage the occasion.
