The 31-year-old Sunderland native was an extremely talented amateur, who represented Great Britain at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, his entry into the paid ranks suffered a lengthy delay through medical licensing issues. Eventually given the green light in August 2023, he made his debut seven months later.

McCormack (5-0, 3 KOs) has previously admitted enjoying life outside the ring but with time of the essence, the highly-rated talent is fully committed to the sport.

He boxes Kay Prospere (16-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant British junior welterweight title on Saturday, as part of Queensberry's show headlined by Liam Davies-Nathaniel Collins at featherweight.

DAZN will broadcast the action from Birmingham's bp pulse LIVE Arena.

“Things happen and push you back,” McCormack told The Ring.

“It's how you react to everything that happens. I've had a lot of bad luck at the start of my career, just starting to get the ball rolling now and believe getting my hands on this title can open a lot of doors for me.”

Given his amateur accomplishments, it feels like an eternity has passed before McCormack's first involvement in a big fight but he has still boxed just 22 rounds.

Prospere meanwhile, really has walked a long road to his maiden British title opportunity.

The 42-year-old first punched for pay back in October 2013. Eight years later, he lost a wide decision against future world title challenger Sandor Martin and has only boxed twice since.

McCormack banked ten crucial rounds against Kane Gardner on February 28 and knows the importance of fights like these, if he's to move through the levels.

“I know he's got a lot more time in the ring and experience than me, but I'm going to learn a few things from him in the fight, just like I did in my last,” he said.

“They're good stepping stones, I'm not going to put them down but they are. I think this will be a good test, but one I'll come through with flying colors. It's my first opportunity and probably his last, so it makes for a good fight.”

Winning the British title is an outstanding achievement for any boxer. Given McCormack's credentials, that accolade should merely prove a stopping point on the way towards bigger titles.

McCormack knows his capabilities and naturally wants to make up for lost time, but not by making giant leaps he isn't prepared for. Rather than taking aim at the division’s biggest name, his immediate plan is to ensure the beautiful Lonsdale belt never leaves his house.

“I would like to get this belt, make three defenses and keep the belt forever because I need a bit of experience. Before I start stepping up to European and world level, I need a few 12-rounders,” he said.

“Hopefully get a few nights in Newcastle. I haven't fought anywhere near home all my pro career, so I've been in London, Glasgow, Derby, now Birmingham. I would like to fight at home.”