Who is Rhiannon Dixon's partner? All we know about the WBO champion's relationship status and personal life
Rhiannon Dixon is one of the rare individuals who started boxing at the age of 21, which is generally deemed too late to become a successful boxer. However, she still ascended to world champion status. Among her biggest supporters on the challenging journey is her longtime partner, Ross Stephen.
Dixon clashes against WBA super welterweight champion Terri Harper next. Their fight will have Dixon's WBO lightweight belt at stake. The highly-anticipated 135-pound showdown headlines a Matchroom Boxing event at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, England, on Sept. 28, 2024.
Who is Rhiannon Dixon's partner?
The Warrington-born Rhiannon Dixon extensively worked as a healthcare professional during the COVID-19 global pandemic's peak. The pharmacist's longtime partner, Ross Stephen stood by her throughout, even joining in her visit to the Kronik Warrior Adaptive Boxing facility in the U.K.
Inspired by MMA icon Ronda Rousey, Dixon wanted to become an MMA fighter. Dixon took up boxing, competed in white-collar bouts, and entered the professional boxing realm in September 2019. She was coached by Lee Blundell and his son Luke Blundell at Wigan's Blundells Boxing Club.
Fellow boxer James Moorcroft, who's been best friends with Dixon's partner Ross since secondary school, also trained there.
Dixon and Moorcroft departed the Blundell camp in 2020. The duo eventually started training with their current coach, former WBA lightweight champion Anthony 'Million Dollar' Crolla.
Under Crolla's guidance, Dixon outpointed Karen Elizabeth Carabajal to capture the WBO lightweight championship, her first major world title, in April 2024. Meanwhile, Ross was notably present in the build-up to the fight and even inside the ring after her title victory.
Dixon and Ross post photos and videos featuring one another to their respective social media, often addressing their mutual appreciation and love.
Rhiannon Dixon's charity work with Ross Stephen, his being mistaken as a boxer
Reports by Wigan Today in 2019 and 2020 seemingly referred to Rhiannon Dixon's partner as 'Ross Thomasson.' Nevertheless, images indicate that it's indeed Ross Stephen. The couple, along with James Moorcroft, successfully completed the 'Three Peaks Challenge,' scaling the highest peaks in Scotland, England, as well as Wales, to raise funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
Dixon is an animal lover, particularly fond of dogs. Speaking to Boxing News Magazine earlier this year, she hinted at potentially volunteering at dog shelters in the future. The southpaw's partner, Ross, once jested about how their dog 'Honey' loves her more than him.
Initially fighting for VIP Boxing Promotions, Rhiannon Dixon is currently promoted by Eddie Hearn-helmed Matchroom Boxing. As reported by Wigan Today in 2019, Dixon recalled what she deemed a "really funny" incident about her and her partner. She acknowledged the praise she receives for her looks, adding that people are often surprised to learn she's a boxer.
On that note, Dixon noted that when she arrived for her medical/physical examinations for the British Boxing Board of Control, they mistook Ross as the boxer of the duo. Dixon said:
"Even when I was in the process of turning professional, the examiners thought it was my boyfriend who was signing up, not me."
Rhiannon Dixon referred to Ross Stephen as her boyfriend back then. As listed on Dixon's and Stephen's Facebook pages, they're currently engaged. Furthermore, their Facebook handles are indicative of their long-term relationship, with some posts dating back to 2018.