Exclusive: Pat Brown, the 'Fighting Machine,' Ready to Make Waves with His Father's Help

Pat Brown has described how his father turned him into a fighting “machine” designed to help Manchester regain its status as the capital of UK boxing.

Eight months after representing Great Britain at the Paris Olympics, the 25-year-old is preparing to make his professional debut against fellow cruiserweight Vladimir Reznicek on Friday night. 

Having identified Brown as a future star of the sport, promoter Eddie Hearn chose to launch Brown’s career in the paid ranks at a gala event attended by hundreds of the former English and North-West champions’ supporters.

Although the crowd he attracted illustrated Brown’s popular appeal, despite previously only competing as an amateur, it is his combination of power and skill which ultimately persuaded Hearn to sign him to the Matchroom stable. 

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, Brown admitted that his dad Mike is responsible for equipping him with such a formidable combination of attributes.

“Ever since I first opened my eyes as a baby, my dad was always boxing,” he said. 

“He’s always boxed and runs a club round where we’re from. He was always known for being quite handy too."

“I always say that fighting is my guilty pleasure and he wanted to turn me into a machine. But he never once forced me."

"I was just built for it. It’s something, boxing, that just seemed to come natural to me.”

Mike’s gym, Sale West ABC, is well known in the local community and has been responsible for transforming the lives of countless youngsters.

“The people who work there and at similar places across the country, they are heroes,” Brown continued. 

“They put their entire lives into it, often for very little reward. But they do it because they care about where they live and the people who live around them. I’m the same. I’m very proud of where I’m from.”

BAGS OF BELIEF

It is a measure of his belief in Brown’s talent, combined with the realisation that he boasts a phenomenal following, that Hearn has granted his latest prospect headline status at this week’s show in Altrincham. 

Reznicek, a durable Czech, could prove an awkward first opponent for Brown - who is now trained by Jamie Moore and his trusted lieutenant Nigel Travis.

But with his friend and fellow Mancunian Will Crolla also on the bill, Brown admitted he will step into the ring driven by more than just a personal desire to reach the very top of his chosen discipline. 

Together with Crolla, the younger brother of one-time WBA lightweight king Anthony, Brown has also spoken about the responsibility he feels to a city which has spawned other legendary figures including Ricky Hatton, Pat Barrett, Terry Flanagan and Len Johnson.

“Manchester means everything to me,” Brown said. 

“It’s all I’ve ever known."

“When I got older, boxing took me further afield to places like London. But whenever I arrived back here on  the train I’d always let out a big breath and think, I’m home."

“We’re just a different city to London, with different ways. I always had a Manchester United shirt on as a youngster and it - Manchester - is who I am."

“Mancs are proud to be Mancs. We’ve got tough skins and we enjoy having a bit of banter."

“Manchester means it all to me and I just want to bring all of that excitement back. That would make me so proud.”