Pat McCormack shines in ninth-round stoppage victory in title eliminator: Rolly Romero next?

Is Pat McCormack ready for prime time and the bright lights?

McCormack (8-0, 6 KOs) made his case on Saturday, dominating throughout, stopping Miguel Parra when the latter's corner didn't send their charge out for the tenth round from the sold-out Sunderland Live. The victory was in a WBA welterweight eliminator, which puts him in a prime position for a future crack at current titleholder Rolly Romero. 

"I broke him [Miguel Parra] down, McCormack said after the fight. "He’s top 15 in the world, so I’m buzzing to make that statement in the ninth round. It was tough. Some of the shots I was hitting him with were just bouncing off him. He’s definitely the toughest man I’ve faced. He kept on coming. But I felt I was getting stronger as the fight went on."

Now, what is next for McCormack? Could it be Romero?

A good step for McCormack would be another fight around the top 15. Remember, he's only had eight pro fights. A little more seasoning never hurt anybody. Yes, McCormack is 30, and you can't hold him back forever. McCormack understands that and feels he can go belt hunting while also continuing to get a bit more big fight experience under his belt. 

"If Conah Walker wants it next, we’ll have it," McCormack said. "I think I can beat him. I want the British, European, or Commonwealth Title shot next – I want to start getting the belts."

Walker (16-3-1, 7 KOs) does have more pro experience. But he's more of a pure boxer, while McCormack is more willing to let the hands go and throw caution to the wind. That strategy has made his star rise. The fight makes a ton of sense and helps McCormack continue his progression.

But that doesn't mean if an opportunity to fight Romero pops up, McCormack will be ready for showtime. Fellow Englishman Sunny Edwards feels McCormack can take care of Romero. McCormack doesn't disagree with the assertion.

"I'm ready for anyone," McCormack said. "Yeah, Sunny knows his boxing," McCormack retorted when approached about Edwards' comments.