Kiaran Macdonald is relishing his opportunity to box on the world stage – and do it on his doorstep.
The 20-year-old fights for the British Lionhearts tomorrow when Gateshead stages GB’s first home World Series of Boxing match of the season.
Britain take on the Croatian Knights with Macdonald getting proceedings under way in the flyweight bout against David Alaverdian.
“The WSB is the best thing in the amateur sport,” said the Sunderland ABC star who will have an army of fans inside the Gateshead Leisure Centre.
“It’s a great format with five three-minute rounds, ring walks, the day before weigh-in, it all gives you an insight into the pro game.
“I can’t wait – it’s the first time Britain have brought WSB to the North-East and it’s fantastic to be a part of it.”
Macdonald has a fight on his hands in Gateshead, given Alaverdian is up in the world’s top 10, though that does not faze the Wearsider.
“He’s the world number five, I’ve watched him box all over the place,” said Kiaran, who told punch-lines that he can’t afford to stand still against the man in the blue corner.
“It’s a tough test, but I’m going in there for one thing [to win].
“He’s good, he’s a strong, pressure fighter and I can’t let him plant his feet and go to work on the body. I need to look to break him up with my jab.”
A difficult assignment at the best of times has been made even harder by the fact this is Macdonald’s first outing since tearing a bicep last year while he has moved up a division from light-fly to flyweight.
“I’ve been out for six/ seven months, but I feel fine now,” he said. “It was a frustrating but I was still training, just one-handed!
“I had some good people around me and it was just about biding my time and let the healing process take effect.
“I feel good now, I’ve had a month’s preparation for this and have sparred for four weeks.
“I’ve moved up in weight and I feel better for it.”
Macdonald will be roared on by over 250 supporters in Gateshead Leisure Centre, where he will be looking for his first WSB victory.
He made his debut last year, losing to Kazakhstan’s Temirtas Zhussupov in Astana in the first leg of the semi-final.
“It was a brilliant experience,” he said. “Now I can’t wait for this.”
Macdonald is joined in the Lionhearts side by North-East neighbours, Calum French and Pat McCormack, while the team is made up of two guest fighters, Ireland’s Joseph Ward and New Zealand’s Patrick Mailata.
There are limited tickets remaining, priced £20, and available at www.gbboxing.org.uk/tickets.
Words: Roy Kelly
