The Perfect Homecoming: Molly McCann Moves to 4-0 in Liverpool

The Perfect Homecoming: Molly McCann Moves to 4-0 in Liverpool

It was the perfect homecoming for Molly McCann on Saturday night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. McCann moved to 4-0 with her most impressive performance to date in her embryonic boxing career. In her first eight-rounder, McCann comprehensively outpointed the incredibly tough Ashleigh Johnson by a scorecard of 78-74. I had McCann winning every round.

Johnson soaked up everything that McCann unleashed on her. The Swansea fighter deserves immense credit for her part in an entertaining fight, and she rarely took a backwards step. Johnson is a hard fight for any aspiring domestic prospect.

It is, of course, early days for McCann, and there are much tougher nights ahead for her, but this was by some distance her most complete performance to date. Since switching back to boxing after her lengthy stint in Mixed Martial Arts, McCann has steadily but effectively improved with each fight. Tonight was another little step forward for her.

McCann (4-0) boxed with a lot more patience against Johnson. The Liverpool fighter picked her punches well, varying her work, and resisting the urge to throw heavy with every shout. McCann used her feet well, and despite the constant aggression of her opponent, McCann won with some comfort. But Johnson (3-4) did make her work. She set her a few problems, but McCann picked her off all fight long, using her opponent’s aggression against her. As they say, a good learning fight.

The 35-year-old will be kept active and has talked about her hopes of moving into the title picture before the close of play in 2026, with a dream of winning a British title. Those aspirations are not without hope.

Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing