Pat McCormack aims for the top: British, Commonwealth, and European Titles all on his radar
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.
SportsBoom managed to sit down with the man from Sunderland exclusively, to talk about his goals, and how he uses his North East routes to inspire himself.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.”
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.”
Learning from Every Battle
Ensuring McCormack stays busy will be key if he is to fulfil his undoubted potential.
Plans for a quick return to the ring could be complicated by a cut he sustained following an accidental clash of heads during the triumph over Herrera at Co-op Live.
But McCormack insisted it still proved a worthwhile experience, not least because it placed him back in the spotlight given that the contest featured on the undercard of Jack Catterall’s clash with Regis Prograis.
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.”
“Every fight has improved me and made me better,” added McCormack. “He (Herrera) was tough, game and came to fight.”
