Cyrus Pattinson is clawing his way back from what he describes as "rock bottom" as he prepares for another chapter in his career revival, set to take place in Newcastle this Saturday. Once a standout amateur representing Great Britain, Pattinson was tantalisingly close to securing a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games, falling just one victory short of qualification. Transitioning to the professional ranks in 2021, the welterweight quickly amassed six consecutive wins, earning a loyal following and establishing himself as a draw for the North East boxing audience.
He captured attention with a thrilling victory over former British champion Chris Jenkins, yet his momentum was halted by a bruising encounter with Conah Walker later that year. The 2023 bout ended in a stoppage loss, and the aftermath proved to be a grueling test of his resolve. In the wake of that defeat, Pattinson found himself without a promoter, manager, or trainer, while also grappling with a serious eye injury that threatened to end his career altogether.
"It was rock bottom," he told Sky Sports. "I wasn’t even thinking about next week, next month, or the next fight.
I was stuck in a darkness where each day felt like a lifetime, and all I could do was try to survive the day." He described a period of relentless negative thoughts, a mental battle that made each 24‑hour stretch feel interminable. "I lived by the motto of getting through one more day, no matter where I was," Pattinson explained. He recalled walking 15 to 20 miles in the rain each day as a coping mechanism, a ritual he used to keep his mind steady during a bout of depression that felt like a life‑or‑death struggle.
"Most people didn’t know about it, and I wasn’t open about it," he admitted, before concluding, "We got through it, and we’re here now." A turning point arrived when Pattinson was invited to Billy Nelson’s gym in Glasgow, initially as a sparring partner for Jack Rafferty and later for world champion Lewis Crocker. Nelson took the young fighter under his wing, providing the structure and mentorship that had been missing. After stringing together three straight victories under Nelson’s guidance, Pattinson is set to step back into the ring at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, where he will face Tunde Segun Adeyemi on Saturday. "I’ve got a good, dangerous opponent in front of us on Saturday night, and I’m coming to win," Pattinson said confidently.
"I love getting stuck in, I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I’ll always be that way. If something feels easy, I’ll push harder.
That’s how I was raised and how I operate. I give my heart and soul to everything I do. People get their money’s worth because this is an entertainment business. My role is to fight, but first and foremost I have to win." Looking back, Pattinson now sees his loss to Walker in a different light.
Walker has continued to climb the welterweight ladder, most recently knocking out Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack in Monaco. "I was hard on myself after that fight because I wasn’t near my best," Pattinson reflected. "I know what I’m capable of and I can beat those names.
Walker has become a big name in the division, 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.
I know I can beat anyone." Pattinson’s ambitions extend beyond the immediate bout. After the upcoming fight, he aims to set his sights on the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles. His trainer, Billy Nelson, echoed this optimism, stating to Sky Sports, "I’m very happy with Cyrus’ improvement.
He’s a consummate professional both inside and outside the ring. He even lives with me during his 10‑12‑week training camps in Scotland. He’s improved massively as a fighter, and after this fight I’d like to see him challenge for domestic titles, maybe even European ones. I’m confident he can compete at that level." The fighter himself remains focused yet forward‑thinking.
"I’m keeping my eyes and ears open for any opportunity that comes my way," he said. "My focus is 100 percent on Saturday, but long‑term British and Commonwealth titles would be fantastic.
I know I’m capable of winning them. I’m an asset for any promoter – I bring entertaining fights, I sell tickets, and I have a great following. Having come from where I have, I trust myself more than anyone else. As long as I stay true to who I am, that’s all that matters." Pattinson’s story is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, illustrating how determination, support, and hard work can pave a path back from the depths of despair.
For anyone struggling with similar challenges, help is available. Contact the Samaritans on the free helpline 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org for support.