Cyrus Pattinson is clawing his way back from what he describes as "rock bottom" as he prepares for another pivotal bout in his hometown of Newcastle this Saturday. Once a standout amateur for Great Britain, Pattinson was tantalisingly close to earning a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games, missing out by a single victory. After turning professional in 2021, he quickly amassed six straight wins, building a loyal fan base and establishing himself as a major draw in the North East boxing scene. A dramatic win over former British champion Chris Jenkins showcased his potential, but a subsequent high‑octane clash with Conah Walker ended in defeat, marking a turning point that would test his resolve.

The loss to Walker in 2023 proved more than a setback; it plunged Pattinson into a period of professional and personal turmoil. He found himself without a promoter, manager, or trainer, and was battling a serious eye injury that threatened to end his career before it truly began.

The circumstances were bleak, and Pattinson admits he was in a dark place, struggling to see beyond the next day. "It was rock bottom. I wasn't even looking towards next week and next month or the next fight.

Sometimes it was that dark that I was just trying to find a way of getting through the day, surviving the day," he told Sky Sports. He described the relentless negative thoughts that filled his mind, making each 24‑hour period feel like an eternity. Yet he clung to a simple mantra: survive one more day. Pattinson also opened up about a hidden battle with depression, describing long walks of 15‑20 miles in the rain as a coping mechanism to keep his thoughts in check.

He likened the experience to a life‑or‑death struggle that few around him were aware of. "We got through and we're here," he said, underscoring his determination to emerge from the abyss.

A lifeline appeared when he 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 recognized Pattinson's talent and took him under his wing, providing the structure and support he had been missing.

After stringing together three consecutive victories under Nelson's guidance, Pattinson is set to step back into the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle to face Tunde Segun Adeyemi. "I've got a good fighter, a dangerous fighter in front of us on Saturday night who's coming to win," Pattinson said confidently.

He emphasized his willingness to engage, his emotional openness, and his work ethic: "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, the defeat to Walker appears less damaging when considering Walker's own ascent; Walker recently knocked out Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack in Monaco, cementing his status as a top welterweight.

Pattinson reflected on his own performance: "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'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 upcoming fight, Pattinson has his sights set on the British and Commonwealth welterweight crowns. His trainer, Billy Nelson, praised his progress, calling him "a consummate professional" both inside and outside the ring. Nelson added that Pattinson now lives with him during his 10‑ to 12‑week training camps in Scotland, allowing for intensive preparation. "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 echoed this ambition: "I'm just keeping my eyes open and ears open for any opportunity that presents itself. 100 per cent my focus is on Saturday, 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 from near‑oblivion to a renewed championship pursuit illustrates the resilience required in professional sport.

His story also shines a light on the mental health challenges athletes often face behind the scenes. For anyone grappling with similar issues, help is available. Contact the Samaritans on their free helpline 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org for support.