Cyrus Pattinson is clawing his way back from what he describes as "rock bottom" as he prepares for another chapter in his career resurgence, set to take place in Newcastle this Saturday. Once a standout amateur boxer for Great Britain, Pattinson was on the cusp of Olympic qualification in 2016, missing out by just a single victory. He turned professional in 2021, quickly amassing a six‑fight winning streak and earning a loyal following in the North East, where his name became synonymous with ticket sales.

His early professional tenure featured a thrilling victory over former British champion Chris Jenkins, a bout that showcased his tenacity and skill. However, the momentum was halted when he faced Conah Walker in a high‑octane clash that ended in defeat.

The loss proved to be more than a simple setback; it triggered a cascade of challenges that threatened to derail his entire career. Following the Walker fight, Pattinson found himself without a promoter, manager, or trainer. Compounding these professional woes was a serious eye injury that threatened to end his time in the sport altogether.

The situation was bleak, and Pattinson admits he was in a dark place, unsure of what lay ahead even a week or a month into the future. "It was rock bottom.

I wasn't even looking towards next week and next month or the next fight," he told Sky Sports. "Sometimes it was that dark that I was just trying to find a way of getting through the day, surviving the day." He described the mental toll as relentless, with negative thoughts crowding his mind 24 hours a day, making each hour feel like an eternity. His coping strategy boiled down to a simple mantra: survive one more day, one more moment. He also opened up about battling depression, a struggle he kept hidden from the public for a long time.

"I know where I was when I was doing the 15, 20 mile walks every day in the rain to try and keep my head right when I did go through that state of depression which was like life and death every time," he said. "We got through and we're here." A turning point arrived when Pattinson connected with Billy Nelson's gym in Glasgow. Initially invited as a sparring partner for Jack Rafferty, he later helped world champion Lewis Crocker in the ring. Recognising Pattinson's potential and determination, Nelson took him under his wing, providing the structure and guidance that had been missing.

Under Nelson's mentorship, Pattinson has already secured three consecutive victories, setting the stage for his upcoming bout at the Vertu Motors Arena against Tunde Segun Adeyemi. Speaking about the fight, Pattinson expressed confidence: "I've got a good fighter, a dangerous fighter in front of us on Saturday night who's coming to win. I do enjoy getting stuck in, I do wear my heart on my sleeve and I'll always be that way. If something's going easy, I'll put more effort in.

That's the way I've been brought up and that's the way I am as a person. I put my heart and soul into everything I do.

People get their money's worth and it's an entertainment business. I know it's my role as a fighter but first and foremost is always to win." In hindsight, his loss to Walker appears less damning, especially as Walker has continued to climb the welterweight ladder, most recently delivering a knockout to Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack in Monaco. Pattinson reflected on his own performance, acknowledging that he was not at his best that night but reaffirming his belief in his abilities.

"I was giving myself a very hard time for that fight because I was nowhere near my best and I know what I'm capable of and I can beat all these names," he said. "He's gone on to be successful and be one of the bigger names in the welterweight division in the country.

But I know I'm just as good if not better. I think it's only a matter of time before I'm back up in the mix. I know I'm capable of beating anybody." Looking beyond the immediate fight, Pattinson has his sights set on the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles. His trainer, Billy Nelson, echoed that ambition, praising Pattinson's progress and professionalism both inside and outside the ring.

"I'm very happy with Cyrus' improvement. He's a consummate professional to be perfectly honest, both inside and outside the ring. He actually lives with me when he's up in Scotland for his 10‑12 week training camp.

He's improved bundles as a fighter and after this fight I'd like to see him challenge for domestic level titles if not European. I'm more than confident that he can compete at that level," Nelson told Sky Sports. Pattinson himself remains focused on the upcoming Saturday bout while keeping an eye on longer‑term goals. "100 per cent my focus is on Saturday," he said.

"But long‑term British and Commonwealth would be fantastic, I'd love those belts which I know I'm very capable of winning. I'm an asset for any of the promoters. I'm always in entertaining fights. I'm a fantastic fighter and boxer.

I sell, I've got a great following. When I've already come from what I've come from and the things that I came through, I trust myself more than anyone else. As long as I stay true to me then that's all that matters." Pattinson's journey underscores the resilience required to bounce back from personal and professional adversity. His story serves as a reminder that even when the odds seem insurmountable, determination, support from the right mentors, and a steadfast belief in one's own abilities can pave the way for a comeback.

For anyone grappling with similar struggles—whether in sport, work, or personal life—Pattinson's experience highlights the importance of seeking help, staying connected to supportive networks, and taking each day as it comes. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health challenges, please reach out for support. Contact the Samaritans on their free helpline 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.