Mighty O’Regan has become a Brummie

O'Regan with Macklin (right) after his Birmingham debut

FORMER outstanding Birmingham middleweight Matt Macklin looks to have bagged a future champ in Cory O’Regan.

And the Second City has gained one hell of a fighter judging by his performance at the Holiday Inn last month.

The southpaw lightweight peeled off his 12th straight win in devastating fashion, belting out Engel Gomez, a Nicaraguan noted for his durability, in five rounds.

Cory is considered something special – and showed why.

We’re proud to make the 28-year-old an adopted Brummie even though his heart will always be in native Leeds.

He said: “Birmingham is also important to me now and, hopefully, that fight will be one of many. If I can build a following here, it helps my profile.”

O'Regan...12 wins on the spin and heading for the top

Cory signed with Macklin only months ago and the new partnership made an immediate impact. O’Regan dominated the August 24 contest from start to concussive finish.

In 42-year-old Macklin, the Yorkshireman has a manager who, as a pro, has been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

The middleweight gained British and European honours and fought for the world title on three occasions.

Cory said: “He knows the game inside-out. I am 100 per cent putting my trust in him getting the right fights. It’s a bit crazy being managed by someone you watched on the TV all those years ago.

“Seamus (Macklin’s brother) is a mate. I need someone to get me the opportunities and push my career on, I’m looking for titles. We met and that was that.”

Cory certainly has the unpaid pedigree to go far. He faced the best, gained a clutch of national titles and dropped a controversial split decision in the senior ABA finals.

“My last amateur fight was with (now top world rated pro) Dalton Smith, I beat Sam Noakes (Commonwealth, British and European champ). One hundred per cent it’s frustrating to see what fighters I’ve boxed and beaten go on to achieve as professionals. I live the life, that’s not an issue.”

Cory has performed on the big stage and twice been on the undercard of Josh Warrington cards. Those are raucous carnivals for Leeds United fans.

The performances have earned high praise, but Cory is yet to win the prizes he craves.

He hopes a touch of Macklin magic can fix that.