Just a matter of days to go. Days before Cyrus Pattinson plans to deliver a statement win.
Top-drawer southpaw Pattinson aims to win the vacant WBA International welterweight title in his sixth professional bout – if he can get the better of former British and Commonwealth champion Chris Jenkins in Newcastle on Saturday.
It is a huge fight for the unbeaten Alnwick talent who tops the bill as Matchroom return to the Toon for the first time since 2021 with Eddie Hearn hiring the Utilita Arena for his first NXTGEN card of the year.
It promises to be some night with (in alphabetical order) Mark Dickinson, Calum French and Pat McCormack all in action while there is an English heavyweight title bout for Rob Ismay against one of Matchroom’s many prospects Solomon Dacres.
But many eyes will be on Pattinson, a former Team GB star in the amateurs, who is very much on the up, against Jenkins, a boxer with plenty of ability and life left in him.
Pattinson is very respectful of the Welshman and his career but believes this is his “time to shine”.
The 27-year-old told punch-lines: “Chris has done a lot in the sport and he was already a star when I was coming through GB Boxing.
“He’s been a British and Commonwealth champion and at the top level for such a long time.
“You don’t lose your skill or power and he’s not on the slide at all.
“A few names came up for this fight and Chris Jenkins was the best name, the best opportunity.
“I’m more than ready to take that opportunity.
“It’s a chance too to catapult us up the British and Commonwealth ratings and with the WBA International title on the line there’s an opportunity for the world ranking to go up.”
Pattinson has been working hard at the Birtley gym with coach Graeme Rutherford and says having Dickinson, French and Ben Rees in the training group has spurred on everyone.
“It’s been really good for all of us,” he said.
“Frenchy, Mark and me are all on the same right and Ben has just boxed and won very well on the Lewis Ritson and Tommy Ward show at the Arena.
“It brings out the best in you and training has gone really well.
“I’m ready and I believe it is my time to shine.”
Unbeaten West Rainton middleweight Dickinson has his fifth pro date with an eight-rounder against Bury’s Ben Ridings.
There are eight-rounders too for French and McCormack in their fourth fights.
Gateshead southpaw French faces Seaham’s Jordan Ellison in a derby while Olympic and World silver medallist McCormack meets Italy’s Dario Socci.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
