However, his form dipped and in 1973 he began to lose fights, eventually losing his title in 1975 to Bunny Johnson in nine rounds. He fought on until 1981, losing several more fights. In total he had 45 fights with a 31–12–2 record, winning 28 by knockout.
In 2010 it was reported that he was suffering from cancer of the tongue.
McAlinden turned professional in 1969 and in his second professional fight, he stopped the future British champion Richard Dunn. He was at one time considered a potential opponent for the world champion George Foreman"s first title defence. He attempted to win back the title in 1975 when the holder was Richard Dunn, but he lost in round two.
