Francesca Hennessy admits her dad has struggled to acclimatise to her bid for boxing glory

Fran Hennessy’s father used to promote Tyson Fury – though her career path makes him nervous

Bantamweight prospect Francesca Hennessy (7-0, 1 KO) is making her step into the mainstream this weekend, h eadlining BOXXER’s second BBC spectacle, at the Copperbox Arena.

The 21-year-old is set to take on fellow undefeated Briton Ellie Bouttell (7-0-1, 2 KO’s) – staged as a final eliminator for a shot at the WBC strap.

She headlines the show as a result of injuries to former headliners Adam Azim and Gustavao Lemos, keen to make the most of her opportunity to forge a path in the boxing world.

Looking back on her career to date, Hennessy revealed that her father – the former promoter of Tyson Fury and Carl Froch – was strongly opposed to her decision to pursue a career in boxing.

“My dad knew I had talent, but he didn’t want me to be involved because he knew how hard this sport is,” Hennessy told The Daily Star

“I sat him down and told him I really do love the sport and I’ve got a passion for it.

“My dad said, ‘If this is your dream then I’ll help you through it but you need to be 100 per cent. because you can’t mess around in a sport like boxing.’”

“It’s scary for him as a parent. He believes in my talent and I believe in my talent.

“I just trust my dad with everything. Whatever he tells me goes. I know how well he knows the sport.

“With my dad and trainer Bradley Skeete, I’ve got amazing experience behind me.”

“Ellie’s a very good fighter, she’s undefeated as well.

“But I just feel like the form I’m in at the minute nobody’s beating me.”