Cathy McAleer is looking for a fifth win later this month when she boxes on the first drive-in boxing show in the UK.
The Belfastwoman turned pro-boxer over two years ago having successfully represented Ireland and Northern Ireland in karate and kickboxing. Unbeaten so far at the pro game, she is hoping to keep that record going.
McAleer told HerSport this week: “Exciting times to be part of the first ever Fight Night Drive-in event. Times have surely changed and if I sit still my dream will never happen. I’ve had so many cancellations, and just kept head down and focused.”
Britsh boxing promoter Dennis Hobson is setting up the car-park at Sheffield Arena for November 20th with fans watching from the safety of their cars. Irish fans can watch the event, which features a British Flyweight title on the main card, live on Eurosport.
It has been a tough eight months since her last bout. Trained on her own through the lockdowns but that has its limits in a contact sport. Did some charity work with Street Soccer NI. Coped with having not just one but three dates cancelled as promoters tried to keep ahead of the changing COVID19 restrictions.
So once this new date was fixed in stone, manager Kellie Maloney arranged a camp with Guildford Boxing Club in England where Cathy has been for the last while.
She described her camp as tough in this interview with local media, saying as an outsider coming over from Northern Ireland it was the best training. She said: “Some of the girls here really go for it. It’s enjoyable fighting with the different characters. Coming into a new club, I’m coming on my own and you have to read it, it’s different.”
She’s facing Serbian bantamweight Jasmina Nad who has a record of 11 wins including 4 KOs from her 39 fights. She recently lost a close bout with Shannon Courtney who shares a promoter with Katie Taylor in Eddie Hearne.
McAleer says: “I’ve a very tough opponent coming from Serbia. And I’ve seen her perform, she’s never been stopped and very durable.”
Both fighters are already locked into their isolation plans and getting ready for the mental switch to fighting in a near-silent arena. McAleer is hoping some of the Irish fans will get their cars into that space.
She says: “It will be unreal to be part of this historic event.”
Follow Cathy McAleer on Instagram @cathymcaleer She shares her training journey and lots of tips for anyone looking for fitness through boxing.
