World Series call-up for Olympian Pat

Pat McCormack has been named in the British Lionhearts side as he continues his return to the boxing ring.

The Washington fighter, who struck gold in the Strandja tournament in Bulgaria at the end of last month, will spearhead Team GB next week in the latest instalment of the World Series of Boxing (WSB) on Thursday.

McCormack will fight at welterweight as the hosts seek to avenge the only WSB defeat of the series to date when they take on Italia Thunder in London.

Italy edged a 3-2 win in this season’s opening fixture in Rome, but the Lionhearts have responded in style, a 3-2 win against the France Fighting Roosters in Paris, which featured Pat’s twin, Luke.

Britain sit top of Group B following a 5-0 demolition of the Morocco Atlas Lions at York Hall last time out.

Pat McCormack took a break after fighting with distinction at the Olympics and he will be joined at Bethnal Green by Rio teammate Muhammed Ali.

The pair will be joined by WSB lightweight debutant Calum French, from Pat’s club, Birtley ABC, and experienced super-heavyweight Frazer Clarke, who will be looking to extend his unbeaten record in the competition.

Overseas selection Radoslav Pantaleev, of Bulgaria, completes a formidable Lionhearts line-up at lightheavyweight. French said: “I can’t wait for next week.”

The match will be live on BoxNation from 8pm.