MACLEOD’S DESTINY TO BE LAST MAN STANDING
SUNDERLAND BOXER IS SHOOTING FOR THE STARS AND THE ‘ULTIMATE BOXXER’ PRIZE FUND
Sunderland welterweight Isaac Macleod believes it’s his destiny to become boxing’s new star this month.
The ‘Ultimate Boxxer’ competition at Manchester Arena on Friday, April 27, offers prize money of £50,000 – and the chance to become a star.
Celebrities will be at ringside and big music acts will perform on a night when eight unbeaten fighters go toe-to-toe over three-round fights in front of millions of internet fight fans.
The winner of three, three-round fights will win the top prize and Macleod believes he’s sure to be the last man standing.
‘Ultimate Boxxer’ is held on the birthday of his late brother, Luke, who died in 2009 at the age of 19.
“Luke stayed over at his friend’s house and he never woke up,” said Macleod.
“I was devastated. We were best mates as well as brothers.
“I was depressed and had to take a break from boxing. I’ve never been able to forget what I saw.
“I decided in the end that rather than quit boxing, I should carry on and fight for Luke’s memory.
“I’m sure it’s my destiny to win ‘Ultimate Boxxer.’ I just think it was meant to be.”
Macleod will probably be the bookmaker’s favourite.
Of the eight entrants in ‘Ultimate Boxxer’ he has the outstanding amateur pedigree having won European Youth gold and World Youth silver.
He has won all nine fights since turning professional and said: “I’m a good, seasoned all-round fighter. “I know how to win fights. “The others will think: ‘It’s three rounds, I have to go for broke’ and I’m just going to keep my cool and capitalise on their mistakes.
“I haven’t really studied the others in ‘Ultimate Boxxer.’ I will let them worry about me.”
Macleod looks set for a breakthrough year after a frustrating start to his professional career.
Now trained by Darnell Smith in Essex, Macleod is the mandatory challenger for the English welterweight title – and could soon be appearing on Sky Sports.
“There’s not an awful lot of pro boxing in the North East,” said Macleod, “and I haven’t really been able to show people what I can do yet.
“’Ultimate Boxxer’ should raise my profile and then I’m looking to push on.
“The target is the world title and I think that’s the difference between me and the other lads in ‘Ultimate Boxxer.’
“They all want to be Area champions and English champions, but I’m aiming for the top.”
Tickets for ‘Ultimate Boxxer’ are available from 07596 143071.