Geordie Boys To Kickstart New North-East Era
Matchroom are back in the UK as the North-East’s finest talent get ready to shine on home turf.
In 1989, a certain Glenn McCrory became the North East’s first ever world champion. It was to be a feat that stood as a surprise - the area had bred fighting men for over a century, yet this was their first king.
Fast forward to the present day and only one North East boxer has managed to join the elusive and, quite frankly, lonely club. That man was Darlington’s Stuart Hall.
So, with Sheffield having its sons, Manchester its men and London its legends, it is about time the North East stood up to be represented amongst British boxing’s elite.
Step forward the new-gen.
Cyrus Pattinson is the weekend’s main attraction in Newcastle, and anyone who has seen the slick southpaw in action will understand why he is moving at pace.
His boxing ability, complemented by a wealth of amateur wisdom, gives Cyrus a springboard to go right to the very top. Fight number six this weekend sees him faced with the experienced Chris Jenkins, who will give the 5-0 prospect many questions to answer.
Pat McCormack is another of the North East contingent who will be showcasing what he has to offer. Quick, spiteful and full of character, Pat has the package that leaves legacies.
He left the amateurs at the top, and there is little doubt he will leave the pros there too. Don’t miss fight number four of his on Saturday night.
Look out also for Mark Dickinson, who after a stint with Ben Davison has now moved back to Birtley to train with old amateur coach Graeme Rutherford. If it is home comforts that bring out the best in Mark, then British boxing will be the winner.
The European & Commonwealth gold medallist is in a nicely matched fight against Ben Ridings, who will come to bring the heat.
Hopey Price and Sol Dacres also feature, with both in title fights that signify the beginning of the next phases of their respective careers.
For Hopey, he will be wanting to lay down a marker after committing his near future to Matchroom. Their bulked up young stable means that the standouts really need to stand out - and what better way to do so than to dispatch of former world title challenger Thomas Masson?
Dacres fights for his maiden title as he looks to capture the English belt last won by Fabio Wardley. It would be an achievement that for Sol may pale into insignificance with what he aims to eventually accomplish. But, success breeds success, and against an unbeaten hometown fighter, this would be a solid first title win.
Finally to Dubai, and a heavyweight clash between Jarrell Miller and Lucas Browne. I don’t particularly think this bears any weight on the world scene, but it bears nearly 600lbs of weight in the ring, which might make for some viewing.
Jono Carroll also steps back into the ring vs Miguel Marriaga. It is close to three years since his loss to Maxi Hughes, and having seen Maxi’s journey, hopefully Jono can get a win and crack on towards the world scene again soon.
Enjoy your boxing weekend all!
Oscar Bevis
