LEGENDARY Kellie Maloney revealed she is stepping back in the ring – this time promoting a female boxer.
The 67-year-old, who announced in August 2014 she was no longer living as Frank, has signed up former karate and kickboxing champion Cathy McAleer.
Kellie Maloney has made a U-turn and is returning to boxing to promote female fighter Cathy McAleerCredit: Dan Charity – The Sun
Former karate champ Cathy McAleer is switching to boxing on Saturday in Birmingham
And Kellie, who famously guided Lennox Lewis to the world heavyweight title, will be back on the canvas on Saturday for the bout against Martina Horgaszat Villa Park in Birmingham.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for Kellie, not least because when living as Frank, she was very critical about the idea of women going into boxing.
She told the Sun on Sunday: “I can’t wait to get back. The fight is on the same night that Tyson Fury will be going for the world title in America so the irony isn’t lost on me.
“I know I am starting at the bottom. But it is a challenge which I love. Cathy has won three world titles in other combat disciplines.
“So our aspiration is to take it to a fourth world title but in the discipline of professional boxing.
“I’ve told her to look at a number of boxers I used to manage like Scott Harrison and Paul Ingle. I’ve even told her to look at Lennox Lewis because of the jab he possesses, and Larry Holmes.
“I’ve told her the most important thing is to work behind the jab all the time. I still get very emotionally carried away at boxing and I will be supporting her every step of the way.”
Kellie said she isn’t bothered about any criticism that may come her way, saying she is well used to the macho world of the sport.
She added: “I’ve got a lot of criticism because of comments I made previously when I was Frank about women in boxing.
“But I see an opening and we need to build a strong base of women that actually want to box and see them fighting regularly.”
Maloney retired from boxing after breaking down during a post-fight interview in July 2013.
A year later Frank announced he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and was living as Kellie.
Last year she told The Sun how she had tried to kill herself at her villa in Portugal after entering a dark period in her life.
But Maloney added: “That’s behind me now. I am looking to the future and getting back in the ring is a big part of that.”
Kellie – previously Frank – promoted Lennox Lewis when he beat Oliver McCall to become world champ in 1997Credit: AP:Associated Press
Kellie Maloney reflects on her life as a transgender woman saying ‘we don’t choose this journey’
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
