Boxing brothers Luke and Pat McCormack have finally made their move into the professional ranks by signing with Probellum.
The 26-year-old Washington twins said they were “ecstatic” to be joining the new powerhouse of boxing while Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, described it as a “massive statement of intent” from the Los Angeles-based organisation.
It would be no exaggeration to say that the world was their oyster after the inevitable decision to go pro following the Olympics in Tokyo, where Pat won the silver medal at welterweight.
The super-skilled siblings could have had their pick of promoters, with the world number one, Eddie Hearn, who broadcasts on DAZN, legendary fight figure Frank Warren (BT Sport) and BOXXER (Sky Sports) all interested in the pair.
Luke (pictured right) and Pat could not be accused of rushing their decision given Tokyo 2020 concluded four months ago, but the Birtley ABC stars insist they have 100 per cent made the right choice.
“We’re ecstatic to announce our plans to turn professional by signing with Probellum,” said a statement from Pat and Luke.
“We are proud of what we achieved as amateurs, but now is the time to kick on and take our careers to the next level in the paid ranks.
“After our conversations with Probellum it was clear that they were the very best option for us.
“We have full confidence that they will take us to the very top as we look to achieve our dreams of winning world titles.”
They will join a growing list of boxers to have put pen to paper with Probellum, including North-East neighbour, Lewis Ritson.
Luke and Pat will be trained by one of the ‘in names’ of the business, Ben Davison who coaches undisputed world champion, Josh Taylor, and their old Birtley ABC and GB Boxing team-mate, Mark Dickinson.
“It is a true honour to announce the signings of Pat and Luke McCormack,” said Probellum president Schaefer.
“They were some of the most sought-after fighters coming out of the Olympics, so to have them join Probellum is a massive statement of intent.
“We have an event in the North East of England on December 18 with some of the best talent from that area, and we’re certain that Pat and Luke can become the next big stars from that region.”
News on when Pat and Luke will make their debuts will be announced in due course.
Pat has been one of GB Boxing’s greatest talents in the amateur game, winning silver at both the World Championships and Olympics, and gold at the European Games and Commonwealth Games.
It would not be unfair to say that Luke perhaps has not done himself total justice in tournament boxing but his collection of medals is far from shabby, winning European Championship silver, Commonwealth Games bronze and a gold at the European Union Championship.
Punch-lines believes his success at the Gee Bee international competition in Finland, in 2019, was arguably his finest hour while he acquitted himself very well at the Olympics in Japan where he did not get much luck of the draw.
Words: Roy Kelly
