Liverpool’s own ‘Meatball Molly’, aka Molly McCann has never been shy about representing her city, both inside and outside the cage.
We recently caught up with Molly to talk about growing up in Liverpool, the barriers she faced getting into boxing, the importance of the city’s grassroots sports scene and the close-knit family she found through MMA.
She also opened up about the difference between Molly and her fighting alter ego ‘Meatball’, the famous Scouse mentality that helped drive her career, and, of course, what her perfect day out in Liverpool looks like.
Here’s what she had to say…
When growing up in Liverpool, how accessible were opportunities for you in terms of MMA or boxing? Did you have to seek them out, or did they come to you?
As a young girl, I wasn’t allowed in the gyms. Watching Amir Khan win silver and Dame Kelly Holmes win two gold medals at the 2004 Olympics inspired me. My nan always encouraged me to watch anything representing us on TV. I tried to go to St. Theresa’s ABC boxing gym in Norris Green, but I wasn’t let in. Eventually, a coach did let me in, but then the gym shut down. I didn’t box again until I was 16, when I went to Liverpool Community College for Sport and Recreation. The boxing was held at the Belvedere, where the Golden Gloves was, and from 2006, they let me in.
Every coach I met wanted to work with me, probably because I took everything in with enthusiasm after being turned away before. I’m not academic, but I always learned through movement, music, and creativity. Martial arts is still an art form, and when I got to university I stopped boxing and fell into MMA. In MMA, every gym was welcoming and inclusive. Brazilian jiu-jitsu especially is built on equality; everyone is welcome on the mat – regardless of race, creed, or religion. Sports and grassroots coaches in this city gave me everything: capabilities, faculties, integrity, work ethic, and drive.
Did being told “no, you can’t do this” push you harder?
We’re Scousers – the number one thing we’re told is no, but we show people how it can be done. We’re products of our environment, and we thrive on equality and fairness. When I was told I couldn’t do something, I was determined to prove people wrong. Maybe my attitude as a youngster came off the wrong way, but everything came from wanting the best for me and my people. You can’t hold us down.
Do you think being part of a group or “pack” of fighters in Liverpool helped you?
When you look at sport in Liverpool, whether football, boxing, or MMA, each club thinks they’re the best. There’s some rivalry, but on the world stage, Scousers unite -it’s Scousers against the world. The internal competition drives us to improve and raises everyone’s level.
In my MMA career, there was a group of about ten of us, including the coaches, fighting at a high level. We were a loyal family. Paddy is “Patrick” to me, and I’m “the Meatball” to him – it’s a family unit. We stand up for one another, always have each other’s backs. It makes things tougher, as we all have to defend each other when anyone comes for us, but it also makes it special. We fight together for ourselves and everyone else, and the city is on the journey with us. Watching my friends fight in Vegas recently was the biggest high of my life, and the whole city felt it too. It wasn’t for a world title – just the fight. Special people can bring everyone together, and the city always backs us.
Do you feel you become “Meatball” in the ring, or is that side of you always present in life?
Molly McCann is the one who can have conversations like this, sees through the nonsense, and is quite sensitive. That’s my core, but that side doesn’t work in fighting. To fight, you need a level of ego, belief in yourself; it’s a dangerous sport. “Meatball” is the version of myself that is amplified for fighting, standing by my opinions, and focusing solely on the fight. In adrenaline mode, when I’m “Meatball,” there’s less discourse and more intense focus.
During fight week, it’s hard to contain that persona. Even with family and friends, my reactions can be different. That’s the “Meatball” side taking over – it’s necessary for fighting.
What would your perfect day in Liverpool look like if you had friends over from outside the city?
For breakfast, I’d say meet me on the docks. We’d go to Rough Handmade bakery for a white chocolate croissant and coffee. Then I’d take them for a big walk to both cathedrals and explain Hope Street. For tea, I’d go to New Capital in Chinatown, then end up in Pogue Mahone’s for live Irish music, a dance at Gloria’s, and then head home.
Well what a day, there you have it.
Thanks to Molly for chatting to us, it was great to catch up and hear her thoughts in the run up to her upcoming fight on 5 September at Croke Park as an undercard to her cousin, Katie Taylor.
Follow @meatballmolly on Instagram for updates.
