Pattison spars with former world champion ahead of debut
London Colney fighter is a month away from his July 4 debut at York Hall
London Colney boxer Ollie Pattison has been sparring with a former world champion to prepare him for his professional debut.
The 24-year-old went toe-to-toe with Nathan Cleverly, a former WBO light heavyweight world champion, at Mill Hill Boxing Club to get him as sharp as possible for his July 4 bout against Iain Jackson at York Hall.
“I gave him as good as I got,” said Pattison when asked about his session with Cleverly. “It was a great experience because I got to see where I have to be and what goes in to making a champion.
“It’s not a million miles away and if I keep working hard then I can get there.”
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Pattison is leaving nothing to chance as he moves in the final month of preparation for his debut.
He has recently got back from a training camp in Turkey with his promoter, Steve Goodwin, and he is current splitting his time between Finchley Boxing Club and the gym at Nuffield in St Albans.
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“The camp was very good – I was one of nine fighters to go out there,” Pattison told the Herts Ad.
“It was intense because it’s a lot hotter than back here. We did a lot of different running – mountains and beaches – and the training itself was very good, too. We all got a lot of sparring in.
“It’s definitely something I’d do again; it was a good experience going forward.”
Pattison’s opponent has also been named. He will take on Englishman Iain Jackson.
The 36-year-old is a veteran of 33 fights and has been in ring with up-and-coming talents Callum Smith, Adam Etches and Jahmaine Smyle.
Jackson has only won four of his fights – one by knockout – but Pattison is not taking him lightly.
“I know what he’s about; I’ve watched a few of his fights . He’s not to be taken lightly and it’ll be a good test,” he said.
“I’m confident, excited and ready to get in there. Whoever I was fighting I was always going to be up for it. I’m training hard and I’ve still got a few weeks to get that extra sharpness before July 4.
“I feel like I’m peaking at the right time.”
