Molly McCann batters opponent in punishing third boxing win to book homecoming fight

Molly McCann remains undefeated as a professional boxer.

The former UFC star improved to 3-0 on Saturday night with a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Hungarian journeywoman Beata Dudek on the Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington undercard in Nottingham.

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Referee Peter McCormack scored the fight 60-55 in McCann’s favour after six punishing rounds. 

The Liverpudlian set a hellacious pace from the opening bell, but wasn’t able to score a stoppage despite her best efforts.

In the third stanza, she rocked Dudek to her boots with a clubbing right hand.

However, the durable veteran, who is yet to be stopped in 16 pro outings (7-9), hung on for dear life to weather the storm and see out the round.

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of her win, McCann said: “You know what, I’m a little meatball who is ready to drop down a weight.

“I’ve only been up here because Tiah Mia Ayton has been at 118lbs.

“But we are switching that up, and I’m going to drop down 118lbs to fight people my size.

“I was proud that I wasn’t just kept at the end of her jab.

“I worked inside, I tried not to take as many steps backwards, I caught and countered more.

“With some of the shots, I know I hurt, but I’m trying to not be as reckless.

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“I know my left hook was just missing, but I listened to the coaches all the way through

“Little steps, baby steps, and I’m ready to get back out there in eight weeks

“I’m loving boxing, the UFC was a tough road, Matchroom feels like home, boxing feels like home.”

Liverpool homecoming

In victory, Eddie Hearn confirmed that McCann had booked her place for a homecoming fight on the Callum Smith vs David Morrell undercard on April 18 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

“A good, tricky opponent, another step up in Liverpool,” said Hearn of McCann’s next fight.

“Only the fourth fight, but it will be a special night, that will.

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“It will be a packed-out M&S Arena, and Molly will sell a lot of tickets.”

McCann hasn’t fought in her home city since her UFC debut in May 2018, when she was submitted by Gillian Robertson.