Molly McCann homecoming boxing fight announced in nine-year first for ex-UFC star

Molly McCann is returning to Liverpool for her fourth professional boxing bout.

The undefeated scouser is set to face Swansea’s Ashleigh Johnson on April 18 at the M&S Bank Arena on the undercard of Callum Smith‘s WBO interim light heavyweight title defence against David Morrell.

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It marks McCann’s first fight in her home city since her UFC debut in May 2017, when she was submitted by Gillian Robertson at the same venue.

McCann booked her place on the bill with a lopsided unanimous decision win over Hungarian journeywoman Beata Dudek (7-9) in Nottingham last weekend.

Confirming McCann’s next steps before her opponent had been announced, Hearn said post-fight: “A good, tricky opponent, another step up in Liverpool.

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

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

Johnson (3-3) is trained by former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli and comes from a kickboxing, Muay Thai and K-1 background.

She unsuccessfully challenged for the Welsh Area super bantamweight title in her third fight and has lost three of her last four outings.

McCann (3-0) made the transition to boxing last year after a 14-fight stint with UFC.

She stopped Kate Radomska inside six rounds in her professional debut last September before recording back-to-back points wins over Ebonie Cotton and Dudek.

“It’s been eight years of travelling the world,” said McCann.

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“I might have fought in England and been lucky to fight in London and Manchester.

“Or in America and Abu Dhabi, which are both boss places.

“But it has always felt like a bit of an away end sometimes, even though I’ve had the support everywhere.

“There’s nothing like waking up in your own house, taking a walk along the docks and walking yourself into the arena that just lights up every time.”

After her last outing, McCann confirmed she would be moving down to bantamweight.

However, the bout is currently marked down as a super bantamweight clash on BoxRec.