Christina McMahon- an inspiration to us all
Who says boxing is a young man’s game?
Christina McMahon might not be as well-known as female fighters like Katie Taylor or Ronda Rousey but her achievements are incredible.
Imagine taking up boxing at 32 and by the time you’re 40 being an interim world champion. Such accolades are rare and as such, McMahon deserves to be on the illustrious list as one of Ireland’s great sports stars.
On the 15th September ‘Lightening’ McMahon [7(3)] is attempting to move up a division to claim the WBC Super-bantamweight world championship against four time world titlist Alicia ‘Slick’ Ashley.
On the same night that Floyd Mayweather clashed with Manny Pacquiao in a forgettable contest, McMahon won her interim belt in Zambia in what was one of the most memorable occasions of her life.
She beat Catherine Phiri to become only the second ever Irish female world boxing champion. McMahon demonstrated her determination by accepting the fight just 30 days before its schedule date. In round 8 she received word that she was down on the score cards and responded by winning the remaining two rounds 10-8.
That is an example of the drive Christina McMahon, from Monaghan, possesses.
At 35, McMahon was told she couldn’t represent Ireland anymore as she was too old, despite being undefeated as an amateur. How did she respond? McMahon turned pro and went straight to the top.
She represents a belief that preaches age is just a number. Nobody was able to hold her back in her quest for greatness.
McMahon came into boxing after being a kick boxer who obtained a world championship in 2007. Her decision was rewarded as she now attempts to become a world super-bantamweight champion.
If you ever wondered what it takes to be a quality sportsman or sportswoman, then consider McMahon as an example. Knowing that the best fighters in the world were from hot countries with high altitudes, she had a heat room built so she could match their conditioning. That is what makes a great athlete, doing whatever it takes to become the best.
Hopefully on September 15th in New York, Christina McMahon, 41, can upset the odds once again and become the champion of the world. Whatever happens, her sporting accomplishments and never give up attitude make her an inspiration and someone who was able to force herself into the history books, regardless of age or restrictions.
