BOXING heads to the Rainton Meadows Arena on Saturday evening as Sunderland’s Pat McCormack takes a little step closer towards world class when he takes on Miguel Parra, who has his own history of fringe activity. Joining McCormack and Parra, there’s a roster of hopefuls, but not a whole lot to get excited about. Let’s see who’s made the cut.
Mark Dickinson vs. Troy Williamson
A decent domestic dust-up sees in-form Dickinson continue his rebuild from a loss in Japan by taking on Troy, who has got used to fishing in the losses pond. Williamson is an honest campaigner, but Dickinson, defending the English title he won against Reece Farnhill, has all of the career momentum.
Sandy Ryan vs. Jade Grierson
Sandy returns in a tickover that could get messy if she doesn’t take unbeaten Newark rumbler Grierson seriously. Ryan is used to operating at world level, so will need to remain switched on and motivated after back-to-back losses to Mikaela Mayer stunted her impetus.
Leo Atang vs. Christian Uwaka
Red-hot heavyweight prospect Atang is only 18, so he will need the guiding hands of Eddie Hearn and matchmaker Tom Dallas to keep him on track and bring in the right opponents. Atang won his first bout in July by first-round KO. 40-year-old Christian Uwaka, 1-5-1, is likely to end up in a similar position before the end of this four-rounder.
Tiah Mai Ayton vs. Lydie Bialic
Fresh off the back of a thumping debut knockout win, 19-year-old Bristolian Ayton, managed by Brian Peters, will be keen to repeat the trick by battering French woman Bialic, who is 3-3-1 as a pro.
Best of the Rest
There’s no opponent named yet for Cameron Vuong, but he is shaping up for an eight-round rust remover ahead of a rematch with Gavin Gwynne.
Big York cruiser Brad Casey debuts against Goran Kozul over four and Brighton’s Adam Maca, 18, tests himself with the dangers of 1-21 Spaniard Francisco Rodriguez.
