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Christina McMahon set for comeback


Two-time world title challenger Christina McMahon [7(2)-2(0)] looks set to make a return to the ring.

The Monaghan flyweight has not fought since her controversial WBC super flyweight title loss to Zulina Munoz in Mexico back in March 2016.

Now 44, but having remained training throughout her ring absence, McMahon has stepped it up a notch, linking up with Dublin-based Manchester coach Steven O’Rourke – with husband and long-time trainer Frick remaining a big part of team.

‘Lightning’ McMahon became Ireland’s fourth ever female pro and first in ten years when she debuted back in 2010.

Despite difficulties in getting fights, the Carrickmacross boxer built up a healthy unbeaten record, including claiming the Celtic Nations belt, before heading to Zambia in 2015 to sensationally defeat Catherine Phiri to win the WBC interim bantamweight title.

Following this, McMahon was beaten by the far larger Alicia Ashley for the WBC super bantam title before losing to Munoz. Both these fights, especially the Munoz defeat, featured what looked to be severe skulduggery but the ever-determined McMahon would fight on.

A WBA flyweight title fight with Peruvian Linda Laura Lecca was then made for December 2016 but the bout would fall through and McMahon has not fought since.

Again, staying active, the Ulsterwoman was involved in the process for both Elaine Greenan and Cathy McAleer turning pro, and has been a more than interested spectator and commentator for Katie Taylor’s rise up through the ranks.

McMahon said that she is “looking forward to working with new coach Steven.”

“You just never know where it might take us but we are excited.”

O’Rourke, who boasts one of the biggest stables of fighters in Ireland, said “welcome to the team. There are some massive fights here and across the water.

“Christina is a very gifted box fighter big news coming.”

McMahon was the first fighter in what could be described in the second wave of Irish women’s pro boxing and was followed by upcoming European minnimumweight title challenger Lynn Harvey, Taylor, Greenan, McAleer, and Siobhan O’Leary with more additions looking likely in the near future.

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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