Cyrus Pattinson is on the path to redemption as he prepares to step back into the ring in Newcastle this Saturday, determined to revive his boxing career. A former top GB amateur boxer, Pattinson was just one win shy of qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games. After turning professional in 2021 and securing six consecutive victories, he established himself as a formidable welterweight with a significant following in the North East. His thrilling match against former British champion Chris Jenkins showcased his prowess, although he suffered a setback in a subsequent intense bout against Conah Walker in 2023.
The loss, coupled with the subsequent loss of his promoter, manager, and trainer, as well as a severe eye injury, plunged Pattinson into a period of darkness. "It was rock bottom. I wasn't even thinking about the next week, the next month, or the next fight. Sometimes, it was so bleak that I was just trying to survive the day," Pattinson revealed to Sky Sports.
"There were so many negative thoughts running through my head, and the 24-hour cycle felt like an eternity. But I kept telling myself to get through the day, no matter what." Pattinson eventually found solace in Billy Nelson's gym in Glasgow, initially as a sparring partner for Jack Rafferty and then for world champion Lewis Crocker. Under Nelson's guidance, Pattinson has bounced back with three consecutive wins and is now set to face Tunde Segun Adeyemi at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on Saturday. "I've got a tough opponent ahead of me on Saturday night, but I'm ready for the challenge," Pattinson said.
"I always wear my heart on my sleeve, and I put my heart and soul into everything I do. My goal is to win, and I know I can entertain the crowd." Pattinson's loss to Walker now seems more respectable, given Walker's recent success, including a knockout victory over Olympic silver medalist Pat McCormack in Monaco. "I was hard on myself after that fight because I wasn't at my best, but I know what I'm capable of," Pattinson reflected.
"Walker has done well, but I believe I'm just as good, if not better. It's only a matter of time before I'm back in the mix, and I'm confident I can beat anyone." Following his upcoming fight, Pattinson intends to set his sights on the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles. His trainer, Billy Nelson, expressed his satisfaction with Pattinson's progress, stating, "I'm very happy with Cyrus' improvement.
He's a consummate professional, and I'm confident he can compete at the domestic level, if not European." Pattinson remains focused on his next match but is eager to challenge for domestic titles in the long term. "I'm keeping my options open, but my primary focus is on Saturday's fight," he emphasized.
"British and Commonwealth titles would be fantastic, and I know I'm capable of winning them. I'm an asset to any promoter, and I'm always in entertaining fights.
As long as I stay true to myself, that's all that matters."