Teen sensation brings unique story to Rotherham
One of the most unusual young fighters ever to appear in a Rotherham boxing ring will make her UK professional debut this weekend – a teenage prospect who launched her career in Mexico at the age of just 15 before she was even old enough to hold a British licence.
Rianna Doforo's remarkable journey has taken her from Liverpool to Mexico and now to the Magna Centre, where the 18-year-old lightweight will appear on promoter Ryan Rhodes' bill looking to take the next step towards a title-winning future.
Most young British prospects spend their mid-teens building amateur records and dreaming of turning professional. Doforo was already doing it.
A two-time national champion, the young Scouser travelled to Mexico in November 2023 to make her professional debut against local fighter Milagros Hernandez Gonzalez.
The contest attracted widespread attention because the British Boxing Board of Control does not issue professional licences to fighters under the age of 18.
The move made Doforo one of Britain's youngest professional boxers and immediately set her apart from her peers.
Now, nearly three years later, she is preparing to finally begin her professional career on home soil and believes the experience she gained in Mexico has given her a valuable grounding in the sport.
Doforo believes fight fans will see the benefits when she boxes in Rotherham.
"I'll show a lot more on Saturday," she told Boxed IN podcast.
"It's an honour and privilege for me to be fighting Saturday night. So, yeah, there's pressure, but also it's just what I love."
Doforo said she has complete faith in her manager and believes she can be challenging for titles before the end of next year.
Her confidence is undimmed by her age or unusual route into the professional ranks.
She promises supporters a "vicious explosive performance" when she steps through the ropes this weekend.
There will be eyes on heavyweight Dave Allen, from Conisbrough, who returns to small hall boxing after some huge Arena fights.
THE BILL
David Allen, Conisbrough, (25-9-2) v Ross McGuigan, London, (7-10-1) heavyweight
Charlie Ellis, Dinnington, (1-0-0) v Luke Thomas (1-11-0) Manchester super welter
Naphtali Nembhard, Sheffield, (7-0-0) v Jose Aguirre, Costa Rica, super middle
Gideon Anaba, Doncaster, (3-0-0) v Tom Ramsden, Grimsby, (9-25-3) light heavy
Liam Carrigan, Doncaster, (1-0-0) v Naeem Ali, Blackburn, (3-156-1) welter.
Rianna Doforo (3-1-0) Liverpool v Katherine Quintana (0-44-1) Colombia