North-East boxers Pat McCormack, Calum French and Kiaran Macdonald brought the house down as the British Lionhearts celebrated their debut night away from the capital in style in Gateshead.
The talented trio wowed a capacity crowd with superb wins as Great Britain’s side whitewashed the Croatian Knights 5-0.
It was the first time the Lionhearts have boxed outside London in the World Series of Boxing and the audience inside Gateshead Leisure Centre lapped up the sight of the local heroes playing starring roles.
Macdonald got the ball rolling with a stunning success against David Alaverdian.
The world-rated Croatian began as the favourite but the Sunderland ABC flyweight used his southpaw skills to maximum effect to outclass his opponent over five lively rounds.
Boxing for the first time this season after recovering from a torn bicep and with the pressure of opening the show, Macdonald showed no signs of either ring-rust or nerves as he controlled matters from Danny McFarlane’s opening bell.
All three judges scored it for the 20-year-old, who was followed into the ring by the first of GB’s two overseas guests.
Ireland light-heavy Joe Ward did well to shake off a heavy right bang at the end of the second round against Damir Plantic.
But that was just about all the Croatian landed as the southpaw from the red corner took a unanimous verdict with a commanding display.
The international judges were not required in bout three when the Lionhearts clinched an unassailable 3-0 lead.
GB’s second guest, New Zealand’s Patrick Mailata, produced good hand speed to have Marijan Brnic under the cosh.
The Croatian made it through the opening three rounds but before the fourth could get under way, the Knights corner indicated to the referee that their super-heavyweight was being retired.
That brought Gateshead’s finest boxing son into the ring to a rapturous reception.
French, who performed with distinction at the European and World championships last year, won the battle of the lightweight southpaws against Matteo Komadina.
The Croatian was in retreat from the outset as French landed combination after combination.
Komadina did well to make it all the way through the five rounds as the Birtley ABC ace registered his fourth WSB victory by a huge points margin.
Britain skipper McCormack produced a captain’s performance in the finale.
To the credit of Mate Rudan, the Croatian welterweight refused to run and was happy to trade with the Washington fighter.
However, McCormack was too fast and too good, the 22-year-old clinching a second Birtley ABC victory on the night on all three judges’ scorecards.
It was a triumph not only for Britain but for Gateshead, who staged the event so well, with the passionate support making it a memorable occasion.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Ian Horrocks
