Molly McCann Defeats Cotton by Unanimous Decision

BIRMINGHAM, England – Former UFC fighter Molly McCann secured her second professional boxing victory on Saturday night, defeating Ebonie Cotton by unanimous decision in a six-round bout at the National Exhibition Centre. The judges scored the fight 58-56 in McCann's favor across all three cards, capping an intense undercard to the Ben Whittaker-Benjamin Gavazi event streamed live on DAZN.

The 35-year-old McCann, known as "Meatball Molly" from her time in mixed martial arts, controlled much of the action against the 31-year-old Cotton, who entered with a 1-0 record. From the opening bell, McCann pressed forward with combinations, landing cleaner punches including a sharp left hook that troubled Cotton throughout. Cotton responded with a strong jab and relentless pressure, refusing to back down despite the faster pace wearing on both fighters by the middle rounds.

An accidental headbutt in the fourth round opened a cut above Cotton's eye, drawing blood that streamed down her face for the remainder of the contest. The injury did not deter Cotton, who continued advancing and trading shots in the ring's center, even as fatigue led to clinches and a brief tumble to the canvas. McCann...