Rumble in Dublin (Christina’s tough French test)

Christina McMahon

While many might assume Katie Taylor to be Ireland’s only female boxing star, fight fans will get to witness another of our top fighting ladies next Saturday when our only resident female professional pugilist Christina McMahon takes on French featherweight champion Stephanie Ducastel.

Having accumulated twenty four Irish titles and a World title as a Kick-boxer, Christina eventually turned her attention to boxing where as an unbeaten amateur she won Ulster and Irish titles while representing her country on three occasions.

Next on the agenda for Christina is the Celtic Warrior title in what many believe to be her biggest test to date against current French featherweight strap holder and former French amateur champion Stephanie Ducastel.

This fight represents a big step up for the Carrickmacross native who will be entering uncharted territory in what is her first eight round contest. As a natural Super Bantamweight Christina must also contend with an opponent who as a natural featherweight will hold all the aces in terms of weight, reach and height.

Frick Mc Mahon who provides the dual role of husband and trainer to Co Monaghan’s fighting cailín is confident the hard graft put in preparing for this fight will ensure Christina leaves the National Basketball Arena next Saturday night as champion.

“Christina has trained extremely hard for this fight and has really picked up the pace over the last eight weeks. Being the only female pro in Ireland means Christina has to do a lot of travelling to get suitable guys for sparring, it’s a case of having to put the miles in to get the rounds in. I have watched Christina get very sharp and strong over the last couple of weeks and we are both very confident the hard work in the gym will pay off on the night”.

Having continued her unbeaten boxing status as a Professional with three wins, two coming by way of stoppage, her main difficulty has been inactivity due to the lack of professional shows in Ireland. But husband/trainer Frick believes a win next week on the “Rumble in Dublin” fight night will set things up nicely for a possible European title shot.

“Getting an eight round fight in the bag should hopefully open the door for a European title challenge in the future. Ideally Christina would like to also fight for an Irish title but this seems unlikely to materialise as the there are only two girls who currently qualify and neither of them seem willing to accept the challenge.

Also in action on what will be an action packed night of professional boxing is Anthony Cacace who will top the bill against Mickey Coveney for the Irish Super Featherweight title.

Tallaght local Robbie Long who is now trained by former stable-mate Eddie Hyland will clash with Belfast’s Robbie Long. Pro fledgling Ray Ginley will take on the experienced John Waldron. Dubliner Noel O Brien will meet Brandon Peake on a ten fight card that will also feature Stephen Reynolds, Brendan Fitzpatrick, Luke Wilton and James Tennyson.

Tickets for the “Rumble in Dublin” fight night are priced at €25, €35 & €45 now on sale from Frick McMahon on 087-2550505 or from www.greenjab.ie.