SECONDSOUT McCormack raises the steaks in drive for title
BIRTLEY LAD LUKE BEEFS UP FOR SHOT AT NATIONAL ELITE CROWN
TOP Tyne club Birtley will launch a five-pronged attack on the final stages of the England Boxing Elite National Championships at the Magna Centre in Rotherham this weekend.
Luke McCormack, already well decorated, has his eye on becoming a two-time Elite champion like his twin Pat.
The 21-year-old has just moved up from lightweight to light-welterweight and recently became European U22 champion at 64kg.
McCormack said: “Having jumped a division I have been lifting a lot of weights and eating steaks. I am preparing myself as I would for any major tournament.
“There is a bit of pressure going in as No 1 seed but I am very confident that I’m going to be the No 1 seed coming out.”
Birtley have lost one of their seeds and favourites with Cyrus Pattison having to pull out through injury.
However, chasing glory will be Tommy Hodgson (60kg), Joe Laws (69kg), Hanna Fields (69kg), Ben Rees (75kg) and of course Luke McCormack (64kg).
Sunderland’s Kiaran MacDonald, a light flyweight, is also seeded.
The quarter-finals are held on Friday with the semi-finals on Saturday and the finals on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Birtley pair Pat McCormack and Calum French are travelling to Morocco to box for the British Lionhearts in round five of the WSB tournament.
TWO third-round stoppage wins from his first two pro outings for light heavyweight Kyle Redfearn mean the former MMA fighter is making progress and can start thining of putting his name into the mix for title opportunities.
Regionally, a title shot for the Area crown, last held by Terry French in the mid-90s, could be contested by Redfearn, Scott Westgarth and Steve Cooper if any look at that route.
For Redfearn, though, first up on Saturday is an outing at nearby Hardwick Hall – he resides in Ferryhill Kyle Redfearn is making good progress as a professional Luke McCormack (left) is targeting an Elite National title this weekend and fights out of the Fighting Chance gym in Felling. “I only had four amateur bouts and stopped three of my opponents, but I’m still learning my trade so expect to see big improvements every time I fight,” said Redfearn. “I’m really excited because it’s always great to fight close to home and there will be big support there for me. “When I started my career I set out to win a British title and I believe I’m more than capable of doing that. I would, however, like to have an Area title fight some time in the summer, but first I need to take care of business.
“I don’t think I will be campaigning at light heavyweight, though. I believe that super middleweight will suit me better and there are some big fights out there at that weight in the future.”
Redfearn appears over four rounds on the Winner Takes It All card at Hardwick Hall Hotel on a bill that is headlined by a Northern Area title clash between Daniel Cope and Billy Snaith.