Pat McCormack believes crossing swords with America’s top fighters have made him sharp for his return to the international arena.
The 22-year-old is the stand-out Great Britain performer in action for GB Lionhearts against Croatia in the World Series of Boxing in Gateshead.
McCormack & Co face the Croatians at Gateshead Leisure Centre on Friday.
The Wearsider has just returned from a training camp in the USA, where the British squad were not only given a tough physical workout but trained alongside American, Polish and New Zealand fighters.
For McCormack, who has not taped up his gloves in anger since a controversial World Championship quarter-final defeat in August, that has been crucial.
“I sparred with the USA lads, which was brilliant,” said the Washington talent.
“It was really competitive sparring, probably more like a gym bout than a spar, given the American and GB lads are there watching and shouting us on.
“The Polish and New Zealand squads had no-one in my weight division so I just sparred the USA lads, who are all very good fighters.
“That suited me, it was very competitive and it’s put me in good stead to box Croatia in Gateshead.
“I feel in great shape and can’t wait for the 16th.”
Team GB’s stay in Colorado has added more than a few per cent to the body and mind of the European Championship silver medallist.
Colorado is over 5,000 feet above sea level and training at such an altitude has been a benefit to McCormack and his colleagues.
“It was really hard at first,” he explained. “You were out of breath just walking upstairs!
“It was great to get away and fully focus on training.
“I was doing six three-and-a-half minute rounds and I feel in great shape.”
McCormack is one third of a North-East triumvirate in the first WSB match to be staged outside London.
Pat’s Birtley ABC comrade, Calum French, will be in the Lionhearts side alongside Sunderland’s Kiaran Macdonald.
Some tickets are left priced at £20 and available at www.gbboxing.org.uk/tickets.
Words: Roy Kelly
