Paul Gallen v Josh Aloiai undercard: Former NRL WAG Arabella Del Busso to face Kate McLaren

The former girlfriend of one-time NSW Origin star Josh Reynolds is stepping into the ring for a ‘crazy’ undercard fight on next month’s Paul Gallen v Josh Aloiai blockbuster.

They are glamour models swapping fashion for fisticuffs.

In the red corner is controversial ex-NRL WAG, model and reality TV star Arabella Del Busso, the woman who infamously faked pregnancies and was exposed as a serial liar after her split with former NSW rugby league star Josh Reynolds.

Standing opposite in the blue corner will be Kate McLaren, the British catalogue and online model trained by triple world champion Jeff Fenech.

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Kate McLaren with her trainer Jeff Fenech.

News Corp can reveal a fight between the glitzy pair has just about been finalised for the Paul Gallen-Josh Aloiai undercard in Newcastle on December 10.

“This is about stepping out of your comfort zone and getting the job done,” said Del Busso, a former SAS Australia contestant.

“With what I have been through in the last two years, this will be great for me. I feel like I’m ready.”

McLaren responded: “Arabella has people telling her that they can’t wait for her to knock me out. People are telling me they can’t wait for me to knock her out. Arabella, people know who she is. There will be a lot of hype behind this fight. I’m training my arse off - I’m pumped, I can’t wait.”

Tongue-in-cheek, Fenech added: “Maybe Josh Reynolds will sponsor Kate. Arabella, because people know who she is, this fight will be crazy. It’s a big deal - it’s a fight the people want to see. The publicity this fight will get will be massive.”

It will be the first professional fight for both women, with No Limit Boxing expected to promote the bout. The pair has agreed to fight at 65kg.

Del Busso, 30, has been sparring for two years, the past six months with Melbourne trainer Christian Ennor, while the fiercely-determined McLaren won her first amateur fight by unanimous decision on May 29 at Hornsby RSL Club.

Arabella Del Busso can’t wait for the fight.

After reading about McLaren’s pugilistic skills in The Sunday Telegraph this month, Del Busso’s camp contacted Fenech demanding a fight.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am a little bit terrified but, at the same time, this fight is something I can achieve in life,” Del Busso said. “It is a very lonely sport but I am getting stronger and am understanding the sport. This would be a great achievement.

“It’s okay to look good and have speed but it’s about technique and having an understanding of what your opponent will potentially be like.

“I haven’t fought before but have been boxing and sparring for at least two years now. Boxing is great for you physically, mentally and for your discipline. Fitness-wise, this takes it out of you. You’ve got to open those lungs up. I feel like this would be a great opportunity.”

McLaren is the first female to be trained by Hall of Famer Fenech.

“I’m ready for this. I’ve never been more ready,” McLaren said. “This will be awesome, it will be a cracker of a night. What a way to make my pro debut.

“I’ve heard through the grapevine that Arabella is quite a strong girl, she’s a tough cookie and has a lot of power behind her. I know she will perform really well.

Kate McLaren won her first amateur fight earlier this year.

“I definitely feel that when she comes into the ring she will be going for the kill. I only found out that this fight was all confirmed on Monday and I am super excited. I heard that people are super keen to see it.

“From what I know, Arabella had people approach Jeff saying she wanted her to fight me. Jeff then approached No Limit Boxing and they said they were super keen to get this fight on the Paul Gallen card. It’s all happening.”

Fenech was pumped for the stoush, saying: “Arabella saw the story in The Sunday Telegraph and said she wanted to fight Kate. I know Arabella has been boxing for years. I’ve seen her train and box on videos and she looks all right. Kate works so hard, she’s strong and she can punch.”

McLaren, 31, has previously modelled at the Australian Bridal Fashion Week.

Former NRL player Josh Reynolds and his former girlfriend, model-turned-boxer, Arabella Del Busso.

An emotional Del Busso spoke about her ill-fated relationship with Reynolds on an episode of SAS Australia before suddenly quitting the show.

The 65kg category is a contrived weight division between super lightweight (63kg) and welterweight (67kg).

Originally published as Paul Gallen v Josh Aloiai undercard: Former NRL WAG Arabella Del Busso to face Kate McLaren