Finally I’m on the big stage.
Those were the words of Pat McCormack as he prepares to face Christian Nicolas Andino in his first fight as a Matchroom boxer at Wembley on Saturday night.
Given McCormack has boxed in an Olympic and World Championship final, where he emerged with two silver medals, not to mention golds at European and Commonwealth competitions, he has already starred on the big stage. The biggest stage in fact.
But punch-lines knows what the Washington star means – 15 months after appearing in the gold medal bout in Tokyo he hankers after such nights as a professional.
After only two fights for Probellum, one of which was on a Wasserman show, he hopes his link up with Eddie Hearn will provide him with the platform to shine.
“Finally I’m on the big stage,” said the 27-year-old. “This is where I feel like I belong.
“I’ve dreamed of fighting for Matchroom and I just can’t wait to get in there on Saturday night.
“I’ve boxed all over the world. Everyone in boxing knows how good I am and what I’ve achieved – now it’s time to show all of the public and all of the fans at home how good I am.
“That’s what it’s all about.”
McCormack has won both professional appearances in a blink of an eye – he has needed a total of 193 seconds to blow away Justin Menzie on his debut and Dimitri Trenel in his second contest.
He will be hoping Andino provides some stiffer resistance on the DAZN-screened show in London.
Argentine boxers tend to be tough fellas, even if the 27-year-old from Buenos Aires has the moniker ‘El Elegante’.
He has a record of 16 wins and two draws from 23 fights, has fought for minor WBA and WBC belts and has made two unsuccessful challenges for the Argentina welterweight title.
“It’s all about getting that experience in,” said the boxer from Washington.
“I haven’t gone back to the corner yet as a pro so I could do with a few rounds on Saturday to show everyone what me and my coach Ben Davison have been working on in the gym day-in, day-out.
“I’m ready to shine on Saturday.”
Since turning pro, McCormack has based himself in Essex with the aforementioned Ben Davison.
Given he has been fighting elite boxers for years, he doesn’t need a long apprenticeship, though he will require rounds, given the amateur distance was much more of a sprint.
His eyes are already on those longer championship affairs.
“As an amateur it’s a lot different, there are only three rounds,” said the ex-Birtley ABC boxer.
“As a pro it’s 12 rounds – you need to live the life and do everything right otherwise you’re just going to get found out.
“I’m ready to put it all in and win some titles hopefully next year – a British Title or something and push on from there, keep climbing the ladder until I reach the top.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
