Top fighting talent set to pack a punch

MATCHROOM’S first NXTGEN card of the year takes to the ring at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Saturday, March 18.

It features some of the very best prospects in the North East and will be broadcast on DAZN.

Former Team GB stand-out Cyrus Pattinson faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British welterweight champion Chris Jenkins – the pair clashing for the vacant WBA international title.

Alnwick’s Pattinson has not put a foot wrong since turning professional in June 2021, winning all five of his contests – three by way of knockouts – and the 28-year-old southpaw picked up the vacant IBO continental title last time out in Nottingham.

Tokyo 2020

Olympic silver medallist turned welterweight prospect Pat McCormack

(right) looks to wow his home crowd against

Italy’s Dario Socci in his first scheduled eight-round contest.

Birmingham heavyweight Solomon Dacres has the chance to fight for his first title in the paid ranks as he collides with Newcastle’s unbeaten Robert Ismay for the vacant English heavyweight crown.

West Rainton’s Mark Dickinson faces Bury’s Ben Ridings over eight rounds at middleweight and Gateshead lightweight Calum French fights Seaham’s Jordan Ellison over eight rounds.

Pattinson said: “I am buzzing to be fighting in Newcastle.

“2023 is a huge year for me and to be kicking it off by fighting in front of a home crowd is unreal.

“Nobody creates an atmosphere like the Geordies and I am determined to put on a show for them in what is the biggest fight of my career so far. ”

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “It is great to be back up in Newcastle for our first NXTGEN card of the year.

“We have enjoyed brilliant nights in Newcastle over the years with the likes of Lewis Ritson and I can see Tyneside turning into a real hotbed of boxing talent with the next wave of headliners coming through.”

Tickets for Pattinson-Jenkins are priced £40, £60, £100 and £150 (VIP).