Birtley ABC on top of the world? They are certainly on their way.
The Co Durham club have dominated the ratings not just at Great Britain level but are flying high in Europe.
Boxing News, the weekly Bible of the fight game, have published their Four Nations rankings and the North-East come out of it very nicely indeed, especially Birtley.
Commonwealth gold medallist Pat McCormack is rated number one at 69 kilos in the Four Nations AND is at the top of the tree in Europe.
And his Birtley team-mate, Cyrus Pattinson, makes it a one-two in the domestic listings with second spot at welterweight.
The light-welters also feature two Birtley boys.
Luke McCormack is number one in the Four Nations (and rated three in Europe) with club comrade Isaac Milburn at seven following a superb season.
Calum French is Birtley’s third number one, in the 60 kilo division, with the European bronze medalist rated at four in Europe.
And Frenchy has TWO Birtley pals in the domestic lightweight charts with Tom Hodgson at six and Jake Slater at 10.
Ben Rees is listed at number four at light-heavyweight following striking gold at England’s Senior Elite Championship.
It’s not all Birtley in the Four Nations ratings.
Sunderland’s Kiaran Macdonald, a winner with the British Lionhearts this season is ranked third at light-flyweight, with Shildon’s Andrew Winter at seven.
Middlesbrough flyweight Muzzy Fuyana is at seven while up the weight scale, Empire’s Michael Webster is seventh at heavy.
Well done to all the boxers, their coaches and all connected with the clubs.
Words: Roy Kelly
