As BoxingScene.com recently reported, Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year takes place at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Saturday March 18, live worldwide on DAZN.

Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British welterweight champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) – with the pair clashing for the vacant WBA International title. 

"I'm absolutely buzzing to be fighting in Newcastle on March 18," said Pattinson. "2023 is a huge year for me and to be kicking it off by fighting in front of a home crowd in unreal. Nobody creates an atmosphere like the Geordies and I’m determined to put on a show for them in what is the biggest fight of my career so far. I cannot wait."

Alnwick’s Pattinson hasn’t put a foot wrong since turning over in Newcastle back in June 2021, winning all five of his contests - with three coming by way of knockout – and the 28-year-old southpaw picked up the vacant IBO Continental Title last time out in Nottingham.

Jenkins believes there are holes that he can take advantage of.

"A win that I’m more than capable of come March 18 would most definitely put me back in the mix," said Jenkins. "Winning a title means I have value in the sport and I’ll move on and fight who ever wants it. I’m an old school fighter, I’ll fight anyone!

"I’m expecting Cyrus to come out of the blocks like he always does and I’ll be ready for him. He looks a good come forward fighter, he does most things well but I’ve seen a few flaws in his fighting that I think I can use in the fight."