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MMA fighter to make switch to boxing – targets Irish title


An experienced mixed martial artist is to make the switch to professional boxing.

Liverpudlian Jack McGann is to swap the octagon for the ring and is hopeful of getting involved in the Irish scene.

The 24 year old’s mother hails from Dundalk and he has a deep connection to Ireland. McGann spends portions of his fight camps in SBG Charlestown and has previously fought on big BAMMA cards in Dublin.

A well travelled fighter, McGann competed at lightweight (155lbs) in MMA, featuring on the BAMMA promotion before entering the Russian scene under the Fight Nights Global banner.

The Liverpool-Louth fighter, of course, won’t be the first Irish mixed martial artist to make the switch, with Crumlin’s Conor McGregor moving across for a mega-money bout with five-weight champ Floyd Mayweather last Summer in Las Vegas. In addition to ‘The Notorious’, Antrim cruiserweight Conor Cooke has been training as a boxer recently and is set to debut soon.

During his five-year career, McGann claimed eleven wins – ten of which came via knockout – and suffered five defeats.

‘The Pilgrim’ is to link up with veteran promoter Frank Warren for his assault on the pros, competing at middleweight (160lbs) and starting off in a six rounder in March.

McGann is targeting the Irish title. and told TheMacLife that “I’m a dual national, I’m eligible for that Irish title and I’d love to do it. I’m basically an Irish fella living in Liverpool.

“All my family are here, all my best mates are here, I’d love to do it for that – and then I could fight for the Irish one and then go home and fight for the British one.”

The Irish belt is currently held by Ballyfermot’s Luke Keeler, who defeated Darren Cruise last Summer. His mandatory will be the winner of the eight-man Ireland’s Last Man Standing tournament at the National Stadium on March 3rd.

Watch Jack McGann’s interview with the MacLife in full below:

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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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