Cyrus Pattinson will pull on the Great Britain vest this week when the British Lionhearts hit the road in the World Series of Boxing.
The 23-year-old makes his first WSB appearance of the season against Italia Thunder on Friday.
Pattinson is joined in the GB side in Milan by European silver medallist, Frazer Clarke, and U22 Euro bronze medallist, Will Cawley.
Two overseas guests, Belarus lightweight Dzmitry Asanau, and Irish light-heavy, Joe Ward, complete the line-up.
Pattinson is part of the proud Birtley ABC enclave at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, alongside Calum French and the McCormack twins, Luke and Pat.
That trio have totalled four wins out of four contests in the WSB this year so the Alnwick boxer will be looking to maintain the 100 per cent record.
Cyrus came oh so close to denying North-East neighbour Josh Kelly a place in the Olympics in Rio two years ago and he will view this as a great chance for the talented southpaw, from Alnwick, to shine on the international stage.
Pattinson will be hoping to be part of a quick-fire British double over Italy.
The two teams met a fortnight ago at the Lionhearts’ home match in Liverpool when GB whitewashed Thunder 5-0. They currently sit second in the four-team group with seven points with the Italians in third with four.
The France Fighting Roosters top the group on nine points and will face the British Lionhearts on Saturday, April 14 in Newport. Tickets for this match are on sale now at www.gbboxing.org.uk/tickets.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: GB Boxing
