In late 1972 and early 1973 he fought future European welterweight champion Joergen Hansen, losing the first and third contests but winning the second.
In September 1973 he lost to Hector Thompson, but won his next three fights, leading to a challenge for Des Morrison's British light welterweight title in March 1974.
[1][2] McCormack made his first defence of the British title in November 1974 against Joey Singleton, losing a points decision.
He followed this with two fights in South Africa — a points loss to Gert Craemar and a fourth round knockout of Gielie Buitendag.
McCormack returned to Dublin, where he ran the St Saviours Olympic Boxing Academy on Dorset Street with his brother John, who was also British champion at light heavyweight.