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Back on the history trail – McAleer moves up to fight in historic title fight

Cathy McAleer is back on the history path.

McAleer [3(1)-0] will make Irish boxing history when she challenges for the Commonwealth title in just her fourth pro boxing fight.

The 40 year becomes the first Irish female fighter to challenge for the strap and becomes only the second Irish female fighter after Christina McMahon to top a pro bill in Ireland.

The career changing opportunity plays out on home soil for the former kickboxing world champion  as she challenges for the strap in the Europa Hotel on September 28.

It initially appeared, that to win a title that would change her career path dramatically McAleer would have to defeat the undefeated Kristen Fraser on the same date and at the same venue.

However, having a agreed to the clash the unbeaten Scott officially pulled out over the weekend in somewhat strange circumstances.

Fraser claimed she was disrespected by the fight, something that has been refuted by MHD Promotions.

It appeared a big blow for former Down Footballer McAleer and indeed a show that is selling well.

However, Mark Dunlop has pulled it out of the bag and secured a Commonwealth title fight for the ambitious late to the game fighter.

McAleer will now move up in weight and fights Ellen Simwaka [7(5)-5(2)-2] for the vacant title rainbow belt. 

The 22 year-old Malawian was last in action against Fraser, the fighter McAleer first agreed to fight.

Simwaka fought the Scott for the bantamweight Commonwealth title, but moves up alongside McAleer for this historic bill topped.

Speaking on social media today Dunlop confirmed.

“I am delighted to announce that Cathy McAleer will now face former WBF International Champion and World and Commonwealth title challenger Ellen Simwaka of Malawi for the Vacant Commonwealth Super Bantamweight Title at the Europa Hotel on Saturday 28th September in an exciting 50/50 contest. This again will be a first for boxing in Ireland both North and South. An exciting chief support contest featuring Feargal McCrory will be announced later today.”

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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