Fran Hennessy: The Billion Dollar Baby
Fran Hennessy, often referred to as the Billion Dollar Baby, is gearing up for a significant milestone in her boxing career. The 21-year-old has maintained an unbeaten record since turning professional at the tender age of 18. Her upcoming match against former world champion Fabiana Bytyqi will take place on Saturday as part of an exciting undercard for the heavyweight title clash between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie Tshikeva. This event marks a remarkable occasion as it signifies boxing’s return to primetime on the BBC after a two-decade hiatus.
Overcoming Challenges
Hailing from Sevenoaks, Kent, Hennessy faced significant challenges during her school years, particularly dealing with dyslexia and being classified as “overweight.” Reflecting on her journey, she remarks,
“This is a full circle moment for me—being on the BBC in primetime is a dream come true. I know I belong here, and I aim to provide an entertaining show for viewers.”
Her journey from a self-conscious child who struggled with basic fitness skills to a determined professional athlete has inspired many, with a recent video showcasing her transformation generating over 1.2 million views on Instagram.
“Watching that clip made me feel proud of how hard I’ve worked,”
Hennessy indicated.
Family Support and Legacy
Surrounded by the sport throughout her life, Fran’s father, Mick Hennessy, serves as both her dad and manager. An influential figure in boxing promotion, Mick has represented renowned athletes such as Tyson Fury and Chris Eubank Jr., while also being a pioneer for women in the sport, working alongside Savannah Marshall, who became Britain’s first female world champion. He recalls Fran’s struggles with dyslexia, saying she often felt “lost” in school and was stereotyped by teachers.
“Now, she’s thriving as a self-employed athlete, mastering various aspects of business in addition to boxing, and she’s excelling in every field,”
he explained. With a strong family dynamic, both Mick and Fran’s siblings are also actively involved in boxing—her brother Michael is a professional boxer and her sister Hannah manages Fran’s commercial endeavors.
Looking Ahead
As Hennessy prepares for her showdown with Bytyqi, she respects her opponent’s experience yet feels confident about showcasing her own abilities.
“I recognize that she’s talented, but I plan to bring my best performance to this fight and reveal skills that haven’t fully been displayed yet,”
she stated. Fans can catch the live event on BBC iPlayer starting at 18:00 GMT, later transitioning to BBC Two at 20:00.
