In conversation with former Team GB professional boxer Hannah Robinson

As part of Visualsoft’s commitment to supporting local talent and ambitious individuals in our community, our sports and nutrition eCommerce consultant, Mike Gartland, had the privilege of sitting down with professional boxer and former Team GB athlete, Hannah Robinson. 

The journey - How you got to where you are today

So Hannah, tell us a little bit about your background - how did boxing start for you?

I started boxing about ten years ago - Just wandered into my local boxing club one day and, honestly, I never left. Eventually, I went on to win the National Amateur Elite Championships, which led to being selected for Team GB. I spent over five years representing the country in international tournaments before turning pro and starting this new chapter.

Were there any role models who inspired you early on?

Absolutely. I started around the time women's boxing debuted in the 2012 Olympics. Nicola Adams, Katie Taylor, Natasha Jonas - those were the names that made me believe it was possible. They gave the sport visibility and a path forward. That moment showed me I could take this seriously.

How did the Team GB opportunity come about?

After winning my national title, I got invited to GB HQ in Sheffield. It started with a few assessment camps, then I joined the squad part-time while still working. Eventually, I went full-time - quit my job, moved to Sheffield, and lived the life of a full-time athlete. It was intense but incredible. Training camps, international tournaments - it was a dream.

Any standout moments from your time with Team GB?

Winning gold at the Balkan tournament in Poland was a big one. It was my first major win and a moment that felt like ‘I belong here.’ I also competed at the European Championships and faced the eventual winner. Along the way, I made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.

Boxing has traditionally been male-dominated. What was your experience as a female athlete in the sport?

I’ve always felt welcomed, to be honest, but when I started, I was the only girl in the gym. My parents were a bit hesitant at first - it was still very much seen as a ‘male’ sport. But now, thanks to women like Katie Taylor and the shift since 2012, it’s totally changed. Every gym I walk into now has a handful of female fighters, and I coach a few myself. The new generation is coming in strong! 

What advice would you give to young girls looking to get into boxing?

Just enjoy the process and love the training. But more than anything - be disciplined. I tried so many sports growing up, but boxing demanded the most discipline. If you don’t have that, you won’t get far in this sport.

Let’s talk about training and fight preparation

Discipline is huge. How do you stay motivated day in, day out?

I’ve always been active - football, rugby, taekwondo - but boxing clicked for me. I loved the structure and the push. Of course, some mornings my motivation is low, but you always feel better after training. It’s pride, really. Even on off days, knowing you got through it tells you something about yourself.

So, what does a typical week of training look like for you now as a pro? 

Monday to Friday, I train twice a day. Morning sessions are usually runs or strength work, and afternoons are for boxing - pads, technique, sparring. Weekends are about active recovery - getting my steps in, maybe a massage. It ramps up about six to eight weeks before a fight, with more sparring and intensity.

You've got a big fight coming up. What does fight week look like?

The week before my fight is my last heavy one. Next week (the week of my fight) is tapering off - letting my body recover. Thursday and Friday are all about staying loose and mentally ready. Come Saturday, it’s showtime.

Let’s talk health and nutrition

You’ve studied sports nutrition - how does that impact your performance?

Massively. Boxing’s a weight-class sport, so being fuelled while cutting weight is a delicate balance. I plan every meal - enough carbs for energy, enough protein for recovery. I want to hit the right fight weight without sacrificing performance. Nutrition is everything for me.

What supplements are in your toolkit?

Creatine and beta-alanine are my go-tos for explosive and high-intensity work. I also take beetroot shots before tough sessions - they help with endurance. For protein, I like whey shake scoops in my porridge and protein bars as a snack. Grenade bars are my favourite treat! But I always make sure they’re Informed-Sport tested. That’s non-negotiable.

Choosing supplements can be a minefield. How do you know what works?

It’s trial and error. You look for the Informed-Sport label, then test what mixes well, tastes good, and does the job. Some powders clump up horribly in porridge - huge red flag for me!

Do you use any tech or data to help yourself train smarter? 

Yeah, I use a WHOOP band to track sleep, recovery, calories burned, and heart rate. It helps me know when to push and when to back off. I geek out on that kind of stuff - it’s super useful.

Let’s shift gears with some quickfire questions

Do you have a walkout song or pre-fight ritual?

I’m actually the opposite of needing hype. I need to relax and keep it light. A bit of fun before a fight helps me perform better. I don’t want to overthink it - I just want to be calm and focused.

What’s it like walking into the ring as a pro compared to an amateur?

Totally different. Amateurs don’t really have crowds - you just fight. But as a pro, you’re centre stage. The nerves were real on my debut. Most of my friends and family had never seen me fight before. But now, I’m learning to embrace it, soak up the energy, and use it in the ring.

We’ve heard you’re a Rocky fan. What’s your go-to film?

Rocky IV, no doubt. That montage scene is everything. The soundtrack- ‘No Easy Way Out’. Can’t beat it.

What does the future hold for Hannah Robinson?

Tell us about your next fight and how it affects the bigger picture?

This is my third pro fight. I’m up against a former South American champ from Argentina. A real test. If all goes well, I’ve got another fight lined up for June and two more later this year. The goal? Build momentum, get ranked, and start chasing titles.

Will you have support coming to your next fight? 

Yeah, my family’s flying in from Spain, which is amazing. Loads of friends, people from the gym - it’s shaping up to be a great atmosphere.

And the dream?

The dream is a world title. I want to move through British, Commonwealth, European, and eventually grab that world belt. Maybe even in multiple weight classes. That’s the vision - and I’m going all in for it.

Finally, how has Visualsoft’s support helped your journey?

Game-changer. When I was with Team GB, I was funded and could train full-time. After leaving, I wanted to keep that same intensity but couldn’t go back to full-time work. Visualsoft’s support lets me train like a full-time athlete again. Knowing they believe in me gives me the confidence to chase big goals and dreams.

To follow Hannah’s boxing journey and find out about her next fight, you can support her page here.