Thanks but no thanks – Cathy McAleer’s manager Kellie Maloney turns down Shannon Courtney offer

Cathy McAleer’s manager Kellie Maloney tonight revealed she knocked back an advance from Matchroom with regard to her client.

The Belfast fighter was offered the chance to fight live on Sky Sports next weekend on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders vs Martin Murray.

Matchroom wanted the undefeated 42-year-old to provide opposition for their star Shannon Courtenay [5(2)-1(0)on a card that plays host to a world title eliminator for James Tennyson.

At first glance it appears the perfect platform and break through opportunity for the ambitious, popular and entertaining fighter.

However, experienced operator Maloney felt otherwise.

Lennox Lewis’s former manager admits financially the terms were agreeable, it was the short notice that was an issue.

“Matchroom Boxing Made me an offer for my female boxer, Cathy McAleer at too short a notice . The offer was to fight Shannon Courtney on the 4th December with a reasonable financial package.

“As Cathy’s manager I thanked Matchroomboxing for the offer, however requested back we’d be given reasonable notice period for this fight offer. Allowing my fighter to prepare for an 8 round, an equal contest and reasonable time all boxers deserve,” Maloney explained on social media.

Some Irish fight fans may be disappointed the fight was turned down. It would have been nice to have further Irish interest on next weekend’s show – and most would have celebrated the chance of a career changing scalp for the all action fighter.

The rebuff does show the veteran fight maker has long term plans for McAleer. No doubt Maloney, also known in Ireland for working with Darren Sutherland, is confident that fight and similar opportunities will come again – although some suggest the 27-year-old English fighter is a comeback win away from a rematch with Rachael Ball.

Also it’s not as if the fighter, who saw two Commonwealth title opportunities fall through last year, hasn’t a fight lined up.

“Cathy, Northern Ireland’s only female professional boxer has already been contracted to fight on EuroSports Live, on 11th December, with Dennis Hobson promotions for a 4 round fight. A huge thank you to Dennis for organizing this event,” Maloney concluded.