Molly McCann wins boxing debut in Belfast, stops Radomska

Molly McCann made a successful professional boxing debut Saturday night in Belfast, stopping opponent Kate Radomska in the sixth round at Windsor Park after a competitive bout that saw an early kick from Radomska and a fifth-round knockdown. The 35-year-old former UFC standout, who retired from mixed martial arts after a loss in March, fought on the undercard of a world-title rematch and will now pursue a new career in the squared circle.

McCann, known as Meatball, adjusted quickly to conventional boxing rules and established herself as the aggressor from the opening bell, landing heavy shots and pressing her opponent throughout the middle rounds. Radomska, a former kickboxer, briefly reverted to a kick in the second round, a reflex McCann shrugged off as the Liverpudlian increased pressure and volume. McCann dropped Radomska in round five and the referee intervened late in round six to end the contest. Some observers described the stoppage as relatively premature with seconds remaining, while others noted McCann’s clear control of the late rounds.

The fight capped a long-awaited return to boxing for McCann, who began boxing as a teenager at Liverpool’s Golden Gloves Amateur...