“I’m going pro this year and I’m bringing a storm with me!”
She’s known as “Lights Out” and for being the youngest female MMA fighter in the UK. LWOS reporter Es Francis catches up with the K-1 Kickboxing and UCMMA British Champion following her debut in the Boxing ring on the 6th June 2015.
Esmond Francis: How did the opportunity to have a boxing bout come about?
Lisa McCallum: The opportunity was already there for a while because my Manger Alan Mortlock “The boss” is a top boxing promoter and he owns the IBA (the Independent Boxing Association) who are now one of the largest semi pro boxing organisation in England, I was just waiting for the right time. But it didn’t go that we’ll to plan.. let me explain.
I was training hard in fight camp for an MMA fight on the 30th of May against Claire Smith but a week or so before the fight we got a call from “Smiths” team saying she had to be pull from the fight. I spoke to my manger as I was disappointed, I was ready to go! I was sharp, I was ready to go to war.. so my manager said to me ‘June 6th we box and I have a girl already’ so I gladly accepted.
So I only had about 2 – 3 weeks of a boxing Camp.. don’t get me wrong I’m always training boxing but this time different. I had to change how I stand and how I balance, even how I move. But I have an amazing team behind me! Mel Mortlock, my boxing coach, is a truly amazing person, so talented it’s unreal the bond we have is special. He opened my eyes to the beauty of boxing! Then my manager introduced a new boxing coach to work we me along side Mel. His name is Mr Paul “Cookie” Cook. This man is a trainer of champions. This man changed my style from MMA to moving like a boxer in so little time. He’s got great mind set, outlook on boxing and how he trains is unbelievable. My camp is under the leadership of “the boss, Alan Mortlock” so I was ready to go and box!
EF: Was this your first boxing fight?
LM: Yes it was, and what a fight it was!
EF: Tell me a little about your opponent?
LM: My opponent Sarah Knight, who was a good five stone heavier but that didn’t bother me. I just wanted to fight and put on a great show. She is the ABA (Amateur Boxing Association) European Union Championship Bronze medalist where she represented Scotland. She has had many fights. I didn’t need to know any more than that really. I’m always prepared for war! And that’s what I bring.
EF: What was the experience like and how did it differ from MMA?
Mainly the fact that I didn’t have to worry about the take down, or getting kicked kneed elbowed or any of that fun stuff.. haha. I knew she was going to punch me and I was going to punch her!
EF: Many fighters who cross train in different systems can sometime get confused, did you get the itch to kick or throw?
I’m someone who is known for her Muay Thai with great knee, elbows and kicking technique. It was hard in sparring but like I said I had amazing trainer on board. I was boxing and moving like a boxer come fight night!
EF: Can you break down the fight round by round from your perspective?
Homie! I had a 6 round war with a ABA bronze medallist. I can’t remember a lot hahah.
I know I caused a big upset! She thought she was going to box the head off of this debut boxer.. MMA Champion!
NO WAY NO WOMAN CAN BEAT ME!
EF: Do you plan on having any more boxing fights?
Yes! I’m going pro this year and I’m bringing a storm with me! Watch this space!
As always Lisa thank you for talking to LWOS.
