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 representing Great Britain, Pattinson was tantalisingly close to securing a place at the 2016 Olympic Games, falling just one victory short of qualification. After a successful amateur career, he turned professional in 2021 and swiftly amassed six consecutive wins, quickly earning a loyal following and establishing himself as a ticket‑selling draw in the North East. His early professional highlights include a thrilling victory over former British champion Chris Jenkins, followed by a hard‑fought loss to Conah Walker, a bout that would prove to be a turning point in his journey.

The defeat at the hands of Walker in 2023 was a severe setback. Not only was Pattinson stopped in the ring, but the loss also triggered a cascade of challenges: he found himself without a promoter, without a manager, and without a trainer. Compounding these professional woes was a serious eye injury that threatened to end his career altogether.

The circumstances were bleak, and Pattinson admits he was in a dark place, saying to Sky Sports, "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 described the mental strain as a relentless barrage of negative thoughts, with each 24‑hour period feeling like an eternity. Yet he survived by clinging to a simple mantra: take it one day at a time.

Pattinson also opened up about his struggle with depression, recounting how he would walk 15 to 20 miles in the rain each day to clear his mind, a routine he kept private for fear of judgment. "We got through and we're here," he reflected, acknowledging the resilience that kept him moving forward.

A lifeline arrived when he linked up with Billy Nelson’s gym in Glasgow. Initially, Pattinson served as a sparring partner for Jack Rafferty and later for world champion Lewis Crocker. Recognising his potential and determination, Nelson took the young fighter under his wing.

Under Nelson’s guidance, Pattinson has chalked up three straight victories, setting the stage for his upcoming clash at the Vertu Motors Arena against Tunde Segun Adeyemi. Speaking about the upcoming fight, Pattinson exuded 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, the loss to Walker appears less damaging when viewed against Walker’s own recent successes, including a knockout of Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack in Monaco. Pattinson acknowledged his sub‑par performance in that fight but reaffirmed 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'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 contest, Pattinson has his sights set on the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles. His trainer, Billy Nelson, echoed this ambition, praising Pattinson’s progress: "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." Pattinson himself remains focused on the present while keeping an eye on future opportunities: "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 story is not only about boxing; it is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity, mental health challenges, and physical setbacks. For anyone wrestling with similar struggles, resources are available.

If you need support, you can reach out to the Samaritans on their free helpline 116 123 or visit their website at www.samaritans.org.