Cracked rib puts paid to MacLeod’s title bid
SUNDERLAND’S unbeaten Isaac MacLeod has had to give up an opportunity to fight for the WBO Intercontinental welterweight title at the Newcastle Arena in November because of a cracked rib.
However, there is some good news for MacLeod with trainer Graeme Rutherford, head coach of top amateur club Birtley, receiving his professional licence which means he can now work MacLeod’s corner.
“Isaac cracked his rib in his fight last month and we’re got going to risk him in a title bout over 10 rounds,” said Rutherford.
“I’m delighted my pro licence has come through at last and I’m looking forward to finally being able to do Isaac’s corner.” Macleod suffered the damage to his rib when he clinched the best victory of his career outpointing Danny Craven in a battle of the two undefeated welterweights.
His victory in Liverpool not only extended his 100% record to nine bouts but was achieved in front of a national TV audience on the undercard of Callum Smith’s World Super Series supermiddleweight championship clash with Erik Scogland. McLeod won a string of national and international medals as an amateur with Sunderland ABC to set up his pro career. He took European gold and World silver as well as five English and three British titles. Birtley amateur Cyrus Pattison, who had been out injured since October, helped WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares with his sparring before he Graeme Rutherford successfully defended his world title with a split points victory over Briton Luke Campbell in California at the weekend.
Pattison will be back in GB action at the Tammer Tournament in November.
Tommy Hodgson, Birtley’s 60kg Elite champion, has been undergoing his second trial with GB.
Rutherford, who accompanied his three Birtley boxers to the World Championships recently, received an offer for his club to train in Cuba if the money can be raised to send out a squad.
“I sat next to the Cuban president at the tournament and he extended the offer,” revealed Rutherford.