Pat McCormack shares his prediction for Miguel Parra WBA eliminator clash

Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack (7-0, 5 KOs) warned Mexican rival Miguel Parra (25-5-1, 17 KOs) that he will not let the experienced fighter derail his journey towards a world title shot as the warring pair shared a tense stand-off at their final press conference on Thursday.

On Saturday, September 6, the 147-pounders will collide at a sold-out Sunderland Live in an eliminator for the WBA world welterweight title, on a Matchroom Boxing event, live on DAZN.

30 from Sunderland, England, Pat McCormack made his pro debut in 2022 after an illustrious amateur career that saw him collect gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, as well as silver at the 2019 World Championships.

His next opponent, Miguel Parra, known as ‘Maquina’ which simply translates to ‘Machine’, is a powerful puncher with 17 knockouts from 25 victories.

Parra described this as the fight of his life, but McCormack is confident he has the skills to beat him.

Here’s what the headliners had to say ahead of their Sunderland showdown:

Pat McCormack: “I’m buzzing to be back home in the North East. I got a good win against Robbie Davies Jr. last time out, now I’ve got a good world-ranked opponent in front of me.

“He’s a very good fighter, a tough Mexican, but I believe I’ve got the skills to beat him. All that matters is winning and looking good.

“The British title is what I want next or European or Commonwealth. The British against Conah Walker is the fight that everyone seems to be talking about so I’m happy to have it next. But I need to get through Parra first. I’ve got to keep winning, and then I’m just about there.

“My prediction? Pat McCormack win. And I’ll look good doing it.”

Miguel Parra: “It’s going to be the fight of my life [against Pat McCormack]. I’m looking forward to this fight and everything that comes with it.

“I’ve had a lot of preparation for this fight. Originally, it was set for 10 rounds but now it’s 12 rounds and I’ve had to really work hard in my training for it.

“Mexican fighters are Mexican fighters. I’m going to enjoy this fight and do the very best I can.”

Matchroom Boxing CEO, Frank Smith: “Pat McCormack is a fighter who we believe will go all the way. By the end of next year, the aim has got to be for world titles.

“Conah Walker is a tremendous fight for Pat, but you can’t look past Miguel Parra. Pat needs people who are going to push him and I think Conah Walker is a fight we will see one day, but it’s all about Saturday night.”

The stacked undercard sees Mark Dickinson defend his English super-middleweight title in a North East derby with former British champ Troy Williamson.

Plus, another local lad in fast-rising lightweight Cameron Vuong is looking to extend his flawless record.

Two-time WBO world welterweight champion Sandy Ryan returns to the UK as she meets a game Jade Grierson, as wonderkids Leo Atang, Adam Maca and Tiah-Mai Ayton all look for victories in their respective second pro bouts.

Tune in on Friday for the Official Weigh-In, starting at 1pm – live on DAZN