Luke McCormack continued his countdown to the Commonwealth Games with a good win in his latest World Series of Boxing appearance.
The Wearsider triumphed in the British Lionhearts’ 5-0 thumping of Italia Thunder on Friday night in Liverpool, where he shook off a cut eye and game opponent to take a points victory.
Rio Olympian, Galal Yafai, had given the GB side a flying start when he defeated Federico Serra at light-flyweight.
That brought McCormack into the ring at the Auditorium at the Echo Arena, where he was up against Paulo Di Lernia.
The Birtley light-welterweight looked to have the beating of the Thunder fighter but a clash of heads in the fourth round left the Luke with heavy bleeding above his left eye.
However, McCormack used his ring craft to protect the cut and see out the contest, scoring a split decision win to give the Lionhearts a 2-0 lead.
It was the second WSB victory of the year for the Washington boxer following his success over the French Fighting Roosters. He will join twin, Pat, and fellow Birtley ABC boxer, Calum French (all pictured above), in the English team going to the Commonwealths next month.
Ben Whittaker did not need the judges as the debutant made it 3-0 and ensured victory on-the-night for the Lionhearts with a fourth round stoppage of Guiseppe Perugino in the middleweight contest.
For the second successive WSB match, the Lionhearts named a guest at heavyweight and Bulgarian, Radoslav Pantaleev, extended the gap to four points when he outworked Italy’s two-time former world champion, Clemente Russo.
A dominant display by hometown favourite, Peter McGrail, capped the night in Liverpool.
McGrail, displayed his trademark elusive movement and fast hands to outwit the experienced Italian, Jahyn Parrinello, in the last bout of a memorable evening.
It gave GB three wins from four matches and are well placed to reach the quarter-finals.
The teams will meet again on March 16 in Milan.
The Lionhearts next home match will be against the France Fighting Roosters at the Newport Centre on Saturday, April 14. Tickets are on sale now at www.gbboxing.org.uk/tickets
Words: Roy Kelly
