Pat McCormack vs. Miguel Parra: Preview & Betting Tips

This Saturday, British boxing fans will witness the biggest night yet in the career of Olympic silver medalist Pat McCormack. 

The Sunderland-born welterweight, McCormack (7-0, 5 KO’s) has been fast-tracked since turning professional in 2022, and now he finds himself on the cusp of a world title shot. His scheduled 10-rounder against experienced Mexican campaigner Miguel Parra has officially been upgraded to a final eliminator for the WBA welterweight championship.

Parra (25-5-1, 17 KO’s) arrives in Newcastle as the underdog but not without threat. At 32 years old, he has built a record of 25 wins and 17 knockouts, proving he can punch with authority. The Mexican has been active and in good form, winning four of his last five bouts and positioning himself for this eliminator.

Tale of the Tape

Pat McCormack – Odds 1.06 (Sky Bet)

Record: 7-0, 5 KO’s

Age: 30

Height: 5ft8

Reach: N/A

Weight: Welterweight 

Stance: Orthodox

Miguel Parra – Odds 8.50 (Sky Bet)

Record: 25-5-1, 17 KO’s

Age: 32

Height: 5ft10

Reach: N/A

Weight: Welterweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Pat McCormack vs Miguel Parra: Analysis

Since collecting his Olympic silver medal in Tokyo, McCormack has been touted as one of Britain’s brightest boxing hopes. His blend of amateur pedigree, sharp reflexes, and developing spite in his punches has made him look a level above most domestic rivals.

McCormack will look to dictate the tempo with his sharp jab, angles, and footwork. His ability to control range is one of his biggest weapons, and if he can keep the fight in the centre of the ring, he will likely outclass Parra over the course of the contest. 

Parra, meanwhile, has to make this physical. He will aim to cut off the ring, get inside McCormack’s jab, and test the Brit with body shots and inside exchanges. If he can turn the fight into a high-paced brawl, he has the power to make things uncomfortable with his traditional Mexican style.

McCormack vs Parra: Prediction & Betting Tips

McCormack has the skill set and momentum to justify him being the favourite, but Parra’s durability and punching power mean this eliminator cannot be taken lightly. If McCormack delivers as expected, British boxing will have another world title challenger waiting in the wings. 

But in boxing, one punch can change everything, and Parra will be looking to land it. While Parra has operated mainly at regional level, he has experience in tough fights and will not be intimidated by McCormack’s amateur credentials.

We are all well aware of the British fighters’ recent record against Mexican fighters. This is always in the back of our minds ahead of contests like this. However, McCormack should have too much technical ability to be troubled by Parra. I’m taking Pat McCormack to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 3.10 (Sky Bet).