Sunderland boxer Isaac Macleod ready to get career moving

Isaac Macleod is ready to take his foot off the brake and put it on the accelerator.
Isaac MacleodIsaac Macleod
Isaac Macleod

The exciting Sunderland boxer goes into the ring for the first time since March when he fights Ryan Hardy at the ‘Christmas Cracker’ in Houghton on Saturday night.

Macleod’s career has stalled somewhat after six wins on the spin since leaving the amateur game after a glittering junior record.

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“I feel like the handbrake got slammed on this year,” the 21-year-old told the Echo.

“But my fight is on this Saturday, definitely, and I’m looking forward to getting the job done.”

Macleod had been scheduled to box at the Summer Rumble at the Stadium of Light in July, only for the bout to fall through at the last minute.

And the six-rounder with experienced Sheffield operator at the Rainton Meadows Arena represents a difficult assignment.

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Hardy, who has won eight of his 19 bouts, is no stranger to Wearside boxing, having extended Marley Pots crowd favourite Glenn Foot a tough evening in Hartlepool last year.

“I didn’t see it myself, but I understand he gave Glenn a canny bit of trouble,” said Macleod. “I heard he was showboating a bit, trying to wound up Glenn and the crowd.

“But I know he is a tricky boxer and that it’s not going to be easy.

“I’m ready though and I can’t wait to fight again.

“I turned pro to win titles and I’m looking forward to doing that in the next year or two.”

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The ex-world junior silver medallist is looking for belts under new coach Graeme Rutherford after ending his association with trainer Anthony Farnell this year.

Under Farnell, Macleod had reeled off six straight wins, two coming inside the distance, but the boxer was unhappy with the way his career was going and swapped the North West for a return to the North East.

Rutherford has been the mastermind of Birtley ABC and the wonderfully-gifted McCormack twins, Pat and Luke.

“Graeme is definitely top-class,” said Macleod. “He’s put more tools in the box with me.

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“I could stand and fight all day long, but he’s made me a smarter boxer.

“I think there have been 150 titles won in the Birtley gym and hopefully I can deliver the first pro title.

“That’s my goal.

“It’s great to be having my first fight for him and great to be having it at home. I’m ready to do the job.”