Teen female amateur star turns professional
Female representation within the Irish amateur pro ranks has been given another bump tonight with the announcement that former underage amateur star Katelynn Phelan is to make the move.
The 18-year-old Kildare light welterweight has linked up with Assassin Promotions, ending a glittering career in the headguard.
A seven-time Irish underage champion, European Junior, and World Youth bronze medallist, Phelan is one of the more decorated female boxers to make the move as well as the youngest ever – and the first female under 30 to turn pro since the start of the second wave of Irish women’s boxing.
Following her bronze at the 2017 Worlds in India, Phelan suffered a frustrating 2018, losing out in the Irish Under-18s to Evelyn Igharo in a bout she and her team felt she won – before claiming the Irish Senior Open title via walkover.
The aggressive fighter, a graduate of St Brigid’s Kildare, is the younger sister to current super featherweight pro Allan Phelan [9(6)-3(1)-1].
In addition to having her pro switch announced, Phelan’s debut has been confirmed and the youngster will box over four two-minute rounds on the ‘Clash of the Titans’ bill at the National Stadium on Saturday March 30th, live on TG4.
Phelan’s fight will be one of the televised contests on the night – as will brother Allan’s, who boxes Aiden Metcalfe for the vacant BUI Celtic super featherweight title.
The lilywhite becomes the seventh active Irish female pro fighter after unified lightweight champ Katie Taylor, upcoming European strawweight title challenger Lynn Harvey, Siobhan O’Leary, Cathy McAleer, Elaine Greenan, and former two-time world title challenger Christina McMahon who has recently made a return.
The scene in Ireland is really starting to heat up and recently the BUI confirmed their title rules for women, with BUI Celtic titles being contested over six rounds and Irish titles over eight – something which Phelan will be targeting.
The ambitous youngster said that “I’m officially starting the next chapter in my boxing career and turning professional.”
“I’s something I have wanted for a few years now and we as a family and team have decided it times to take the step up.”
Kildare boxing is proudly supported by Liffey Crane Hire
