Boxing
Pat McCormack Aims for the Top: British, Commonwealth, and European Titles in His Sights
Former Olympian Pat McCormack eyes British, Commonwealth, and European titles in the next year as he takes a traditional path to boxing greatness. McCormack's drive, backed by Eddie Hearn, sets high hopes for the North-East boxer, drawing keen interest from boxing betting enthusiasts.
Image Credits: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images
Pat McCormack, the former GB Olympian, has his sights set on winning three major titles next year as he aims to become the new standard bearer for North-East boxing.
With promoter Eddie Hearn describing the Tokyo 2020 silver-medallist as a ‘world champion in waiting’ ahead of his victory over Argentina’s Williams Andres Herrera in Manchester a few weeks ago, McCormack is targeting a series of major bouts over the next 12 months.
The Path to Greatness: No Shortcuts to the Top
Although the win over Herrera saw the WBA intercontinental welterweight belt wrapped around McCormack’s waist, the Washington-based prospect is plotting a more traditional route towards the very pinnacle of the sport.
“I want to win the British, Commonwealth and European (titles) next year,” McCormack told SportsBoom.com.
“Let’s get through them and then step up after that.”
“I don’t think there are any shortcuts to the top. Some people might think there are but, in the end, there aren’t.”
You have to earn your stripes along the way. When you’ve got those belts, then you are ready to take the next step.
Pat McCormack
With Lewis Ritson now in the autumn of his career, despite preparing to face Conah Walker in Birmingham later this month, Sunderland super-welterweight Josh Kelly is arguably the most recognisable boxer operating out of Tyne and Wear right now.
But given his amateur pedigree, ability, and marketing potential - with twin brother Luke also yet to taste defeat in the professional ranks - it is easy to understand why Hearn retains so much faith in the 29-year-old, despite injuries and out-of-the-ring issues restricting him to only three outings since March 2023.
A North-East Fighter’s Drive to Inspire
“I fight to support my family and do the best that I can for them,” McCormack said.
“But it would be great to be one of those fighters that people look up to and say, ‘I want to be like them.”
“Growing up in the North-East has given me the skills and the characteristics you need in this game. Why? Because the North-East is rough and ready. It’s straightforward and it’s honest.”
“Every fight has improved me and made me better,” added McCormack. “He (Herrera) was tough, game and came to fight.”
Eyes Set on a Swift Comeback
“Every single fight I’ve had, I’ve learnt something from it,” the unbeaten McCormack said, citing a meeting with Dario Socci as one of the most instructive of his career so far.”
One in particular, I was hitting this tough Italian with everything, and he just wouldn’t get knocked out. It got stopped but he wouldn’t stay down. Then, in my next one, I was turning my shots over better and put the lad on the deck.
Pat McCormack
“Every fight has improved me and made me better,” added McCormack. “He (Herrera) was tough, game and came to fight.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.