Exclusive: Geordie boxer set to live Newcastle dream as Toon fan headlines Saturday night show

In just over 48 hours, Cyrus Pattinson will headline for the first time in his career against one-time British and Commonwealth champion Chris Jenkins.

After winning all five of his professional fights so far (3KOs), the Alnwick-born boxer is top of the bill in Saturday night’s Matchroom show at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.

Fighting for the vacant WBA international welterweight title, Pattinson’s “dream” homecoming will be shown live on DAZN, with ring walks likely to take place around 10pm.

Speaking exclusively to NUFC Blog, the 28-year-old Toon fan told us what it meant to headline on home turf for the first time in his career:

Headlining the Metro Radio has been a dream of mine since starting boxing. Over the years, before any real success in my career, I was going to watch Amir Khan, Kevin Mitchell and Frankie Gavin box there, then there’s been the Lewis Ritson fights.

“The atmosphere is something else when it’s your own people, so to headline it in only my second year as a professional means a lot.

Pattinson’s story is an inspiring one, as he explains his rise from a make-shift gym in Alnwick to being signed up by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing after representing team GB:

“I started boxing around 12 years old and was juggling that and football, but I wasn’t getting the fulfilment out of football, having to rely on other people and the physicality side of it.

“My mam was unwell, in and out of hospital, I was living with other people in family, so I think that took a toll on me. I was getting into trouble in and out of school, but at around 15/16 I started to turn my life around because of boxing.

I was trained early on by my uncle Gary, above a car wash in Alnwick. It was a make shift gym, I took my posters in, he bought a few bags, we managed to get a broken mirror and a few other pieces from people. Me my brother and uncle trained there before I moved on to Newcastle, then Birtley.

I didn’t achieve much as a junior – national semi and final medalist – then, as I turned senior, I went to Birtley. Graeme Rutherford changed my stance to southpaw one year before senior ABAs. I went in, got all the way to the finals, beating the commonwealth games gold medalist and GB number one on the way, earning my spot on team GB.”

As a former Alnwick Town youth player and keen Newcastle fan, Pattinson then spoke about the club’s turnaround since the arrival of new owners and Eddie Howe:

“It’s amazing to see the city’s faith being restored again in the club”, he said.

We’ve had a tough time over the years, but we’re not fickle and we’ve always stood by the club, so to see things turn around brings a lot of pride and happiness again.

We deserve it.

Finally, Pattinson sent this message to all those who’ve supported him so far, hoping fight fans in the north east can tune in on Saturday night and “enjoy the ride” as he bids to become WBA champion:

“I want to thank everybody for the support, whether you make it or not, and to those who’ve sent messages on social media or stopped to say hello. It really means a lot to me.

“I’m a small town boy just trying to make a life for myself and my family. I would love for everybody to join the journey and enjoy the ride. The support for sport in the city and north east is like no other.”

We’d like to thank Cyrus for his time and wish him all the best this weekend. A huge talent and a great lad who deserves everything coming his way – let’s get behind him!

Follow him on Instagram / Twitter for updates and ticket details.

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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