MMA versus boxing: Jack McGann ready to succeed where Conor McGregor could not
MMA star-turned-boxer Jack McGann is just weeks away from one of the most important fights of his career as he makes his boxing debut on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s triumphant comeback at the Manchester Arena on June 9.
Jack McGann set to face Midlands middleweight Dwain Grant
McGann, a 16-fight mixed martial arts veteran, forged a reputation as one of the hardest hitters on Russian MMA promotion EFN’s books, adding an impressive pair of knockouts to his 11-5 record during his time in the former Soviet state.
But the Liverpudlian has opted to put his MMA career on ice to test himself on one of the biggest stages, travelling back home to a thriving British boxing scene with his sights set on securing a belt.
“Training is going great. I’ve done loads of camps before for big fights but this is my first ever boxing camp,” McGann told Express Sport.
Jack McGann says he is ready to make an impact on his boxing debut next month
10 of McGann's 11 MMA victories came by way of knockout
“It has lit a different fire under my belly and I’m putting the graft in.”
Cornered by noted striking technician Owen Roddy – the Irishman credited for honing Conor McGregor’s stand-up game inside the Octagon – McGann said he is relishing the opportunity of featuring on one of the biggest cards of the year.
“This being the return of the Gypsy King, I’d be made up just going to watch it, never mind fighting on the undercard,” he continued.
“It’s going to be a night to remember.”
Conor McGregor's coach, Owen Roddy, will corner McGann on his debut
But it is unlikely to be a walk in the park for McGann, who will take on super-welterweight Dwain Grant, 2-3-1, a tricky operator who has gone the distance in all six of his professional contests.
McGann added: “[Dwain] Grant is an experienced, slick opponent who looks to be in great condition – the guy lives in a gym.
“It’s a tough fight for my debut, exactly what we wanted. He has never been stopped before and I will look to change that on June 9th.”