Headline NewsPro News

‘Lightning’ Strikes The Big Apple on 15th Sept- McMahon secures World title shot

by Michael O’Neill

Ireland has had many great male professional champions take the ‘Big Apple’ by storm over the years but on 15th September comes a unique opportunity to support an Irish female boxer, as she strives to become the World Boxing Council’s WBC SuperBantamweight champion.

Ireland’s only Professional female titleholder, (she already holds the WBC Interim World Bantam belt) , Christina ‘Lightning’ McMahon from Carrickmacross who has a professional boxing record of 7 wins 0 Losses 0 Draws  will take on Jamaican born Alicia ‘Slick’ Ashley a  4 time world champion who held the W.B.C. Super Bantamweight for over 3 years until losing a controversial majority decision in Mexico 12 months ago to former ‘pound for pound ‘ champion  Jackie Nava.

Ashley is a seasoned campaigner of 33 professional bouts so this will be a huge challenge for Christina who is naturally a Super Flyweight (115lbs) which is two weight classes below Ashley’s preferred weight of 122lbs.  Ashley has lived in New York most of her life so this will be like a home show for her.

Versatile McMahon, a kick boxing champion too, has long been a great admirer  and follower of the boxing scene in New York whether male or female and particularly those pugilists of Irish descent, past or present. She hopes that many of those greats like Maureen Shea will be able to attend on 15th September. Why New York you may ask when several other more lucrative offers came her way?

 She had a number of offers on the table to choose from  including a home show in County Monaghan in October to defend Christina’s W.B.C. Interim World Bantamweight Title.  Declan Brennan DBSM was at an advanced stage of securing such a bout with a good purse. or taking on Alicia Ashley in New York at short notice for a modest purse.

As money was never McMahon’s motivation for entering the Professional ranks the option of taking on one of female’s most noted professional boxers and the test that this will offer was just too important for her to pass up for an easier option.

Team McMahon are hoping the Irish community in New York and neighbouring States will come out in support and make it more like a home show for Christina too.

Contracts were signed  last week during a meeting with  entrepreneur ,Anthony Doran who is also a huge supporter of the ‘Irish Homeless Street leagues’ which the Monaghan native has agreed to support the Ireland squad in their participation in the upcoming ‘ Homeless Street Leagues World Cup’ in Amsterdam, September 12-19th.

McMahon and her team, headed by husband and coach Martin ‘Frick’ McMahon (under the guidance of Belfast Professional Boxing coaches Paul & Sean McCullagh ) looks forward to meeting fans in New York so even if you are not already a boxing fan why not come along on 15th September and hopefully witness a famous Irish win and major upset. There will be opportunities for fans to have autographs signed and photos taken too.

•             The venue: Studio Square, 3537 36th St, Astoria, NY 11106, United States, +1 718-383-1001

Ticket Pricing: General admission $60.00 available online next week

The Christina ‘Lightning’ McMahon vs Alicia ‘Slick’ Ashley fight is featured on the  Maureen Shea/Luigi Olcese Pandora Promotions boxing night of the stars on 15th September..

irishboxing

Integral part of the Irish boxing community for over 13 years

x