UAE-based boxer Kim Shannon ready for 'Showtime' in Dubai as she prepares for pro debut

With her professional debut booked and less than two weeks away, UAE-based teacher Kim “Showtime” Shannon is intent on living up to her boxing moniker.

“I work hard, I train hard. I know I put the work in. So, come fight night, it is showtime,” says the former Team GB boxer ahead of her first pro bout, at 'Countdown to the Middle East Crown - Boxing Series 3', in Dubai on March 12.

“Literally. It’s a different story," she says. "You can spar all you want, you can train all you want, but it’s a different feeling when it comes to fight night.

“People pay to come see you, so you need to put on a show. I like entertaining with my boxing, with my style. It’s just one of those things: that, come fight night, it definitely will be showtime.”

Having made the move into the paid ranks late last year, Shannon will face another pro debutant, Sri Lankan Kaumini Hashini, at the Conrad Dubai hotel. The bout, part of the latest promotion by DJMC Events LLC that also features a clash for the vacant Women's International Boxing Association world super-bantam title, will take place across four rounds at 116 lbs.

Shannon, who alongside teaching physical education full-time in Al Ain also coaches boxing at Real Only Boxing gym in Al Quoz, admits to not knowing too much about her opponent.

Kim Shannon. Antonie Robertson / The National

However, from her time representing her country - Shannon was a skilled amateur in England - she recognises the boxing talent to come out of Sri Lanka. Kaumini Hashini has won five national titles.

“Sri Lankan boxers are no fools, no pushovers,” Shannon said. “So I’m never going to underestimate anyone. It’s her debut as well in the pro ranks, so I’m sure she’s going there with something to prove and wants to