‘Pride of Liverpool’ supported by fans after admitting he has given up his fears

‘Meatball’ Molly McCann was supported by fans as she opened up about how she came close to giving up.

The Scouser’s journey from Olympia fights to huge Las Vegas events has been shared in a new BBC documentary featuring fellow Liverpool fighter Paddy ‘the Bady’ Pimblett.

The second episode of the series showed Molly, who is from Norris Green, opening up about a difficult period in her career. Speaking ahead of her fight with Diana Belbită on February 3 this year, Molly had suffered two successive defeats.

READ MORE: Piano’s Brad Kella inundated with support as he shares ‘amazing’ family update

READ MORE: Trainee pilot clarifies the truth about passengers’ phones being on airplane mode

Molly said: “I’m starting to realize how important this fight is. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

“Losing to Erin Blanchfield in November 2022 was the biggest gut punch I’ve ever taken. To be humiliated, humiliated, in the most one-sided beating I have ever received.

“I was destroyed within two to three minutes of the first round. I would say losing to Erin was the hardest part of my career. I have not been able to overcome the barrier of sadness. I was just empty. There was nothing in me.

“I think I had to let it go to move on to the next fight camp against Julija Stoliarenko. I was absolutely annihilated. The fight was so short and so brief that I didn’t have much to think about other than what the hell is going on here?”

This made Molly question everything. She said: “I retired to the dressing room there. I was like, “I’m done. This is me”.

Her trainer, Paul Rimmer, urged her to “go to sleep with no feel” and suggested dropping her from flyweight to strawweight to better suit her abilities. He said: “It was like a rebirth for her in some ways. Now, no matter how much you think you’ve knocked the girl down, she’ll get back up and fight harder.”

However, Molly still had some hesitations. She said: “My next fight is against Diana Belbite. We fought in 2019 in Boston and beat her.

“She’s fought at this weight class six, seven, eight times. I haven’t tried to make the weight yet.”

Molly also gave an insight into her business activities, including the restaurant she runs in Baltic Square called Polpetta. He feared that losing his next fight could damage his business reputation.

Molly said: “It’s the biggest gamble of my life and career. If it doesn’t go well, I’ll lose everything.”

Fortunately, Molly proved her skills as she defeated the Nightingale. Speaking about how she would recover before the fight, she said: “I’m going to recover by going back to the basics and I’m not stopping until I win.”

Following the series, Molly was supported by the Scousers. Local band The Sway, whose music is featured in the show, said: “Hero. The boss and Molly’s watch, he destroyed it.

Steve Kwiatkowski said: “You are the pride of Liverpool and the pride of Great Britain.”

Lizzie Painter added: “The TV show is great and so are you.”

Ellen Greenwood said: “Such an inspiration.” Patsy’s Place added: “We’re all behind you here Molly.”

Get information about summer events sent directly to your phone