Sunderland boxing star set for Newcastle debut

Sunderland's Kiaran MacDonald, who spent 12 years as an elite amateur with the GB squad, is set to make his pro debut on the undercard of his friend Josh Kelly's world title fight against Bakhram Murtazaliev.

MacDonald won silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, but the 28-year-old's stellar amateur career still lacked just one thing.

“I had a long career with GB and almost got everything I wanted out of the programme,” he said.

“It was bittersweet as I just missed out on qualification for the Olympics, but now I feel rejuvenated and happy again.

“It's the perfect time. I could've probably turned pro much earlier, but I wasn't going to give up on my Olympic dream.

"I'll always have that one regret of not going to the Olympics, but it's time for a new chapter and to use that hurt to push me further in the professional game.”

The Sunderland man has once again sacrificed home comforts to chase his sporting dreams, relocating to Manchester to be trained and managed by former world champion Anthony Crolla.

“I contacted Anthony through the Croft twins [Ioan and Garan], who'd been boxers on GB squad with me," he said.

"They said he'd be the perfect fit for me, so I went down and had a look.

"I knew within half an hour of being there that it was going to be the place for me – I didn't have to look any further.

“I need to be away from home, and I'm already comfortable with that after being with GB for so long.

"I'm accustomed to being away, and I can't afford to let my standards slip.

"When you're home, there are distractions, but everyone is on top of their game in the gym."

Exciting times then for the man who first stepped foot in a boxing gym as a nine-year-old, inspired by Beijing bronze medallist Tony Jeffries.

The southpaw super-flyweight has certainly come a long way since then.

Speaking to Freebets, MacDonald added: “It's always been my dream to fight at the big stadiums – but for now I just want to be in big arenas and go on to headline shows.

“It’s going to be a brilliant night in Newcastle, and I think Josh can win that world title.

"I’m just glad that I’m on the show – what a great place to make my debut!”