Pattison spars with former world champion ahead of debut

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.”

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.

“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.”