"Meatball" Molly McCann will launch her boxing career this year after officially signing with Matchroom.

The 35-year-old announced her retirement from MMA earlier in 2025 following her defeat to Alexia Thainara at UFC London.

The former Liverpool FC player, who gained her nickname after a stint working in a sandwich shop, had insisted she would stay in sport during life after MMA and it has now been confirmed that she will still earn her crust from fighting.

The date and venue of her professional debut is yet to be revealed, but her new promoter Eddie Hearn says McCann will box all over the world.

Of her decision she said: “It was just the right time to leave the sport of MMA so I chose to leave the sport knowing I had a career waiting for me in boxing.

“The boxing pedigree is there. I was in and out of the boxing gym growing up because I like to fight and like to punch. I can just go. I will fight anyone, wherever, whenever.”

Hearn, who is hoping McCann will fight for a version of the world title within a year, added: "She'll compete now as a boxer and about time, I'd like to say as well, a former ABA champion, everyone knows the ability as a boxer, obviously been a massive star within the UFC and built her profile globally as well.

"We're delighted to start the journey, delighted she chose Matchroom, gonna be fighting all around the world and there are gonna be some massive nights. We want to keep her nice and active.

“I've had the pleasure of watching her cageside, the atmosphere, energy and fanbase of this woman is incredible, great person and fighter, now putting the gloves on for real, the boxing journey is about to begin."

McCann said: "It's important to understand I was offered lots of contracts in loads of different places, they may have had a lot more money but the ultimate goal is to be a world champion and not for a phony promotion.

"I'm not expecting fans straight on the bandwagon, have to earn my stripes like anyone else. I will always leave everything I have in there [the ring] and promise this man [Hearn] a world title within eight fights. I want a watch when I do, that's how it used to be back in the day."