Sneaking to the ringside at the Metro Radio Arena to headlining it. That is the journey of Cyrus Pattinson who is ready to dazzle on his biggest platform yet.
The 27-year-old will contest the vacant WBA welterweight title when he shares the ring with the highly-respected Chris Jenkins at the Newcastle venue now known as the Utilita Arena.
While Pattinson has already performed on some top Matchroom events, including a debut at the Vertu Motors (Eagles) Arena just around the corner, back in 2021, this is a night to savour for the 27-year-old.
Looking a million dollars at the media conference at the city’s Civic Centre, Pattinson (pictured left) was just as elegant with the microphone in his hand, explaining that he is relishing the occasion.
“It’s more excitement than pressure to be honest with you,” said the Alnwick southpaw.
“I remember once sneaking to the ringside at the Metro and now I’m headlining it.
“It’s something that I’ve always pictured and visualised.
“I’ve been working hard and I’ve asked the universe for this and it’s delivered for me.
“This opportunity came up and I’m ready to take it, so here we are.”
Pattinson picked up a belt in his fifth bout, the IBO Continental welterweight strap in Nottingham last time out, stopping Frenchman Jorick Luisetto a couple of seconds before the bell in round six.
But Jenkins represents his hardest test yet, with the WBA International title the prize up for grabs this time.
Like Luisetto, Jenkins is also 34, but with the greater pedigree and an outstanding record of 23-6-3.
The quality boxer, from Garnant, just outside Swansea, is a former British and Commonwealth champion and a man not to be taken lightly.
“He’s showed he’s got a lot left in the tank,” explained Cyrus, who is coached at Birtley ABC by Graeme Rutherford and Jacob Dickinson.
“He’s not been in one-sided losses. He could have got the decision against Tyrone McKenna [last time out].
“He was beating Marku on points.
“I know it’s going to be a tough test and it’s definitely what I need in my career.
“We’ve progressed every fight. I’ve evolved as a fighter.
“I’ve grown into the professional style of things.”
Pattinson is one of a quartet of ex-Birtley ABC and GB stars taking to the ring on Saturday night and all four have what you would call live opponents.
West Rainton’s Mark Dickinson will have an all-English right-round affair with Bury’s Ben Ridings, while Gateshead southpaw Calum French, another who fights out of the Birtley gym, also fights over eight in a derby with Jordan Ellison, from Seaham.
Pat McCormack, part of the Ben Davison stable, makes his second appearance as a Matchroom boxer and the Washington star is matched with Italian Dario Socci, again scheduled for eight rounds.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson / Matchroom
