The UFC star has signed with Matchroom Boxing - and she's got her eye on a world title
MOLLY McCann, or 'Meatball Molly’ as she’s known to millions of UFC fans worldwide, has announced a move to professional boxing.
She made the announcement last week at a Matchroom Boxing press conference at Manchester’s AO Arena alongside promoter Eddie Hearn.
People probably think I’m just gonna run in and try and take chins, which is correct - that is what I’m gonna do. But in an educated manner.
She began by reflecting on how boxing was always her starting point as a fighter. Said McCann, “My weight didn’t get added to the Olympic Games so the only other option was MMA. And MMA has given me a phenomenal life. One that boxing could never give me. But my love was always in the squared circle.
“I cannot wait to fight. I can’t wait to show everybody the pedigree of boxing that I’ve got. People probably think I’m just gonna run in and try and take chins, which is correct - that is what I’m gonna do. But in an educated manner.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn put her switch from cage to ring into further context. Said Hearn, “What’s important to know is that she really is a boxer first. She has a phenomenal amateur pedigree. She’s won championships."
Hearn said, “You see a lot of fighters that try and switch from UFC to boxing because they’ve already built their brand but with all due respect, they’re not actually elite at the discipline. There’s no point naming names but I’m yet to see a UFC fighter turn to boxing that actually has the credentials and capability to be a world champion.”
Hearn said they’re looking at McCann fighting at around bantam weight, with six or seven fights within the next 12 months.
Said McCann, “The ultimate goal is to be a world champion - and not for some phoney promotion. I want to do it legitimately. I want to give the sport of boxing the respect that it deserves.
“I’m not expecting any fans to be straight on the bandwagon - I’ve got to earn my stripes just like everyone else.
“I promise you every time I step in that ring I will always leave everything I have in there. The most honest account of myself. And I promised this man [Eddie Hearn] a world title within eight fights.
She joked, “And I want a watch when I do it. Because I know that’s how it used to be back in the day. If I can do it in eight fights, I want a belter watch.”
She said, “I’ve always been at the shows over the last few years causing trouble so now I get to bring all the scousers with me, all the Irish fans, and have a go.”
Main image credit: Mark Robinson & Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing
