In 2018 the documentary 'Jack McGann: From Cage to Ring' was released. It was presented by actor Stephen Graham, who at the end of the show predicted that former mixed martial artist McGann would become a boxing champion. In the closing segment he says: “So the big question is, can an MMA fighter become a world championship boxer? Why not. Can Jack McGann become world champion? Yeah, he can”.
Five years down the line, Graham’s claim is fast becoming reality.
McGann defeated Laszlo Toth earlier this month via KO/TKO at the end of round five to become the new IBO European Champion. Toth came into the fight with lots of experience under his belt. Holding a record of 31 wins, seven losses and two draws (31-7-2) with 19 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
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McGann reflected on this documentary and although he has achieved a title, he believes this is just the start. He told the ECHO: “There’s more to come as well, in my eyes. When I was answering that question, it was about a world title. I’ve just won a good belt, but my aspirations are still a world title. I’m giving my everything, every day for it, and that is my end goal.”
The Scouser secured victory after Toth’s corner called for the fight to be stopped to prevent any further punishment for their man.
Promoter Mark Neilson said: “This was his toughest opponent yet, and Jack basically beat him up resulting in him retiring on his stool and not coming out for the sixth round. The British super-welterweights have now been given notice, this ex-MMA fighter, with no amateur experience is the real deal.”
This win also cemented McGann in boxing history, as he became the first person to win this belt.
‘The Pilgrim’ made his professional boxing debut in 2018 and now holds a record of eight wins, no loses and one draw (8-0-1). Despite not having any amateur boxing experience, the former mixed martial artist is making waves in the sport and rising through the ranks quickly. The super-welterweight is currently ranked sixth in the UK, and 76th in the world after winning his IBO European title at York Hall, London.
The 29-year-old has defied the odds in switching to boxing from mixed martial and succeeding. Many fighters have done it for a one-off bout, or it hasn’t worked out for them. But McGann seems to have transitioned well with many factors leading him to this milestone. He said: “I think what has helped with my success in boxing is how I fought in MMA. I basically fought like a boxer anyway, and I was sparring professional boxers then, so I always knew I could do it.
“I’ve always been surrounded by high level boxers as well, and having Martin Murray as my coach has been great. My sponsor has also been a massive part in my transition, the Power of One, which is an animal welfare charity. So, things have just aligned, and I’m also putting in the hard work”.
During McGann’s undefeated run in boxing so far, he has displayed great ability and been able to find ways to stop his opponents. He credits this to his time competing in MMA. McGann said: “In my 11 wins in MMA, 10 were finished in the first round and I built a good highlight reel. And now in boxing, every time I’ve fought at my proper weight, I think I’ve stopped all but one.
"I’ve had four stoppages on the bounce now, so I think I brought the finish the fight mentality with me. Sometimes that could go against me, because I’m not thinking about points, I’m thinking about stopping them, I can’t shake that. But I think it’s put me in good stead for the future, because I’m putting on entertaining fights”.
The undefeated boxer has also been backed by actor Tom Hardy. The Peaky Blinders star shared images of the Liverpudlian on Instagram after his win. The caption read: “Congrats Champ @jackmcgann9”.
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