Pat McCormack has promised “to win and look good doing it” ahead of his bout with experienced Mexican Miguel Parra.
The Sunderland star, a two-time Olympian, is 7-0 (5 KOs) and tops the bill at Rainton Meadows on Saturday.
The 30-year-old has been left frustrated through inactivity and injury, but is prepared to make his move in a WBA eliminator at welterweight.
“I’m buzzing to be back. I had a good win in my last fight and that’s pushed me right up there and now I’m in a good fight with a world ranked opponent and I’m looking forward to it,” said McCormack.
That win in his last fight came against veteran Liverpudlian Robbie Davies Jnr, whom McCormack halted in six rounds.
“I got back in the gym as soon as a I could and I can’t wait to get back out there on Saturday night,” McCormack added. “He’s a very good fighter, Mexican, knockout puncher, but I believe I’ve got the skills to beat him and look very good on the night. It’s about winning, looking good and that’s all that matters.
At today’s final post-fight presser, the 25-5-1 (17 KOs) Parra said: “I’ve had lots of preparation for this fight, we thought it was going to be 10 rounds, it’s 12 rounds, but I’ve done lots of training. I’m going to enjoy this fight and do the best I can.”
McCormack said he hopes to move on and fight for either the British or European title next, and has been linked to a fight with British campion Conah Walker.
“Everyone’s talking about it, so I think that’s the fight to make,” he said.
Matchroom’s CEO, Frank Smith, said they were keen to make that bout.
“That would be a tremendous fight for Pat McCormack,” said Smith. “But you can look past Miguel Parra and what he brings, and this is the type of fight Pat needs, especially where he’s lacked momentum, because he’s so good if he goes in with people who don’t push him forward, it’s not going to do anything for his career.”
