McMahon never gave up on title dream and faces her own May 2 Mega fight

Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquioa and all that goes with it has demanded column yards never mind inches the World over, but Ireland’s only female pro boxer Christina McMahon is back page news in Zambia.

McMahon fights in a massive fight of her own on May 2 on the same night as the ‘Mega Fight’ as he trades leather WBC silver champion Catherine Phiri for the WBC interim World title in Mulungushi Conference Centre, Lusaka, Zambia.

The title bout, that caught the imagination of most in Lusaka not least because Phiri is a local hero, has been a long time coming for the Monaghan bantamweight. The former kick boxing World champion turned over back in 2010, but hasn’t fought since 2013. A number of title fights including a World title bout with Suzie Ramadan have fallen through in the mean time and McMahon is delighted to have finally got her shot at a significant title.

Indeed, the 40 year old worked on the premises she might only get a late call up and trained so she was always ready for a short notice shot.

“Firstly we got a fantastic welcome in Zambia.Catherine Phiri herself is a celebrity here in lusaka,” McMahon told Irish-boxing.com

“The title is very important and something I have being working towards for some time. A lot of opportunities fell through for me, but I never give up and it didn’t matter who I fought next once we got the call we would be ready.”

The experienced combatant travels into the Lions Den this Saturday night and will be aware of the possibility of a home town decision, but she is adamant she won’t let that affect her. The 6-0 puncher will focus on her own performance and is confident it can be good enough to see her claim an interim World strap.

“It is always a little more difficult to box away, especially so far away, but we were not in a position to be choosy. I won’t let it annoy me. I am only in control of me and how I perform and I will concentrate on that. I also know a lot of people in Ireland are behind us and the support is amazing.”