Molly McCann feels right at home in Belfast ahead of boxing debut on Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan card

The former UFC star is set to make her professional boxing debut, fighting on the undercard of Lewis Crocker’s IBF world welterweight title fight against Paddy Donovan

Molly McCann is set to make her professional boxing debut in Belfast this weekend – and says she feels right at home in the city.

The Liverpool-born former UFC star will be stepping into the boxing ring instead of the Octagon, fighting on the Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan card at Windsor Park on Saturday.

McCann was greeted by a huge crowd of fans during an open workout for the event at Victoria Square Shopping Centre on Wednesday, where she signed numerous autographs and took countless selfies.

“I’m absolutely buzzing,” said the 35-year-old about her upcoming fight. “Both sides of my family are from Wicklow and Cork so it’s like coming home to the motherland, getting a reception like that I’m just blown away, I’m so happy.

“Being able to fight in Ireland and in a football stadium, it’s like ticking the things I had left in the locker to tick off, I’m getting to do on my debut.

“I can’t wait to go out, give the fans what they’re looking for and show the world what I probably always should have done.”

Interestingly, not only does McCann have family ties in Wicklow, but after tracing her family tree, the avid Everton fan discovered that she and Katie Taylor, share the same grandfather, making them cousins, reports the Irish Mirror.

Taylor, who serves as a huge inspiration to McCann, is expected to be present for her boxing debut.

Promising “fireworks” and “absolute fun”, McCann has pledged to showcase an “educated” version of herself in the ring on Saturday.

She further commented: “I’m always down in Dublin so I’m well versed in punching and drinking Guinness.”

‘Meatball’ is set to face off against Waterford’s Kate Radomska (4-7-0) in a bantamweight contest scheduled for six two-minute rounds.

Meanwhile, Lewis Crocker is brimming with confidence about defeating Paddy Donovan in his hometown, despite being considered the underdog.

“Nobody’s giving me a chance, I haven’t felt better,” he remarked.

“I’m going to produce the performance of my life on Saturday. I’m so confident in my ability.”

Crocker added: “This has been the dream since I was a kid. It’s the ideal scenario the way everything has panned out so God willing, I will be the world champion come Saturday night.”