Christina McMahon looking forward to a fair fight in Dublin World title challenge
It might not be justice from the WBC, but Monaghan’s Christina McMahon [7(3)-2(0)] has received redemption in the form of a WBA World title shot in her home country – and she wants her opponent to be extended the fairness which she was not.
It was announced this week that Lightning McMahon would challenge for Peruvian Linda ‘Triple L’ Lecca‘s WBA super flyweight belt at the National Stadium in Dublin on the December 3rd FS Promotions ‘History in the Making’ show – the first ever female World title fight in Ireland.
McMahon also becomes the first ever Irish boxer to fight for a World title at the famous South Circular Road venue [Paul Hodkinson had unsuccessfully defended his WBC featherweight title here against Goyo Vargas in 1993].
It has been a long and tough last year for McMahon. Last October the Carrickmacross fighter jumped up in weight to challenge Alicia Ashley for the WBC super bantamweight title in New York and, while the deck was already stacked against her, any chances of victory were eliminated following a tortuous, draining, pre-fight medical that involved the hypothyroidism-sufferer being injected with radioactive glucose for a PET scan.
McMahon would last the distance, losing on the cards, and was given another opportunity by the WBC in March of this year against Zulina Munoz in Ciudad Juarez. What should have been the crowning glory of the Ulsterwoman’s career, McMahon was controversially denied on the scorecards. However, it was the transgressions surrounding the anti-doping procedures, or lack thereof, which was the major talking point which stemmed from the fight. A long an arduous battle with the Mexican-based governing body for a rematch ensued for much of this year.
While the WBC have yet to relent, another opportunity has been secured in the form of the fight with the Peruvian World champion Lecca [12(3)-2(1)-2].
After two horrible experiences in North America, McMahon would be almost forgiven for wanting some home advantage, but the principled 42 year old states how she just wants a fair shot.
McMahon told Irish-Boxing.com that “after negative experience abroad I’m more than delighted to box for such a prestigious World title at home.”
“While the fight is at home for me, I would like to believe that fairness still exists over here.”
“I want to win – but in a fair and proper manner.”
Not one for trash talk, McMahon admits tat “I have respect for a very good reigning World champ in Linda Laura Lecca and look forward to the fight.