‘She Who Dares’ – McAleer’s historic Commonwealth title fight rescued
Cathy McAleer [3(1)-0] is back on the history hunt.
It was confirmed today that the Belfast fighters dream of becoming the first Irish female fighter to win the Commonwealth title is alive again.
Promoter Mark Dunlop announced early in the Summer that the former karate and kickboxing world champion would challenge for the rainbow belt at the top of a Europa Hotel September 28 bill.
The John Breen trained fighter was due to fight Kristen Fraser of Scotland for the bantamweight version of the strap.
However, the first female Scot to win the Commonwealth strap pulled out soon after in somewhat controversial fashion.
MHD Promotions rescued the show initially as the secured a fight with Ellen Simwaka [7(5)-5-(2)-2] – who provided opposition for Fraser’s history making win – for the super bantamweight version of the same title.
Yet the entire show fell through sometime after and McAleer was left frustrated again.
That frustration has disappeared now as a home has been found for the historic fight.
McAleer will take on the Malawi native on one of three shows to visit Belfast in October.
The clash has been rescheduled for the ‘He Who Dares’ card which plays out at the Devenish on October 25.
Speaking when the bout was initially made Dunlop wasn’t shy about revealing the significance the title could play in progressing the 41 year-old.
“It is great to get a title fight like this in Belfast. Cathy has shown she has the ability to go far and this is the kind of chance she has been looking for,” said promoter Mark Dunlop.
McAleer is the latest addition to what is fast becoming a populated card.
Olympic captain Darren O’Neill will debut on the card the former amateur standout jumping straight into a light heavyweight six rounder.
Dylan Moran of Waterford will also appear in what will be his second fight in a matter of weeks – the first playing out in Mexico.
Undefeated light middleweight Cillian Reardon takes a step up as he faces Jake Best, a fighter who holds a win over Cavan’s Owen Duffy.
‘The Freak’ Matthew Fitzsimons makes his return to the ring and adds further Belfast interest as does debutant Ruadhan Farrell.
Also on the Mickey Helliet Slater Sports show will St Michaels Gym Inchicore heavyweight Paddy Nevin and Paul Hyland Jr.
