Who is Morelle McCane? All about the Cleveland Boxer who once played basketball, and now is in contention for the medal at the Paris Olympics

Morelle McCane is a 29-year-old American boxer, who recently punched her tickets to the Paris Olympics 2024, after a dominating performance at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. She secured second place in the competition and became the first female boxer from Cleveland to advance to the Olympics.

Before pursuing boxing and adding her name to the Olympic roster, the American was once a basketball player at Glenville High School. She always thought that she was going to be in the WNBA, but realized that it was not going to happen in ninth grade.

"I thought I was going to be in WNBA, but I realized wasn't growing anymore after the 9th grade." McCane said. (via Signal Cleveland)

Following this, McCane turned to boxing after getting introduced to the sport by her niece. Now, the 29-year-old is heading to Paris after a win over 2022 Elite World Championships silver medalist Charlie Cavanagh by unanimous decision. She has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first woman boxer from Cleveland to qualify for the Summer Games.

We will now dive into knowing more about Morelle McCane's family and her journey so far.

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Morelle McCane's family and hometown

Morelle McCane was born on January 20, 1995, to parents Gregory Sr. McCane and Jocelyn McCane-Adams. She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and has nine more siblings.

She has five sisters, named, Marissa, Miranda, Meriah, Rachel Sims, Amiracle Adams, and Ashlyn Bohles; and four brothers named Anton, Adahm, Aaron, and Gregory Andre Adams Jr.

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When did Morelle McCane take up boxing?

McCane started boxing at the age of 17.

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Morelle McCane Education

Morelle McCane completed her education at Glenville High School.

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How was Morelle McCane introduced to the sport?

McCane, who at first wanted to be a basketball player, was introduced to boxing when she accompanied her niece and nephew to their boxing class. Their class was in a gym, and while they practiced, she used to work out. Her form was noticed and appreciated by Coach Terrence Montogomery. McCane took the positive feedback and started to go through YouTube videos of various boxers.

"The class was in a gym, so I was like, 'I'm just gonna go get a workout in while they box," McCane said as quoted by Signal Cleveland. "While I was there, Coach Terrence Montgomery (Coach T) asked to see my form. He told me I had good form for never having boxed before."

She was invited to the gym by the coach and was asked to step in the ring with a boxer who was already training there.

"He put me in the ring with another boy at the gym, Before we started he was telling Coach T, ‘I’m gonna go easy on her’ and I was offended!” she continued.

McCane landed a punch on the opponent and got one back too. This was the first time she received a black eye, and that left her wanting more from the sport and led to her passion for boxing.

"I got really motivated after that. I told myself that I was gonna train hard so that I could beat him up." the Cleveland native said.

Now, Morelle McCane will be seen competing at the Paris Olympics 2024, which is slated to take place July 26 to August 11.