Boxing: McCallum on right track

Published on Friday 26 February 2010 09:08

LEITH VICTORIA middleweight John McCallum has had a tough build-up to his preliminary bout at the annual Scottish senior championships at Lasswade tomorrow.

McCallum has been sparring with British professional title contender Kenny Anderson at his training camp at Clitheroe in Lancashire.

And the youngster has earned praise from Anderson's mentor, ex-world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan and coach Kevin Marra.

McGuigan said: "McCallum impressed me by the way he stood up to sparring in full-blooded sessions with Kenny Anderson twice a day for a week."

"If he doesn't win a Scottish title this year it won't be because of ring rust or a lack of sharpness."

Ths sparring sessions were part of helping Anderson's preparations for his eliminator with Northampton's Paul David next month.

McCallum is Leith Vics' sole entry in the championships but Mark Geraghty's Queensferry club have several entries in both the senior and youth championship prelims.

He said: "Former Scottish heavyweight champion Steve Simmons won't be competing so that increases the chances of victory for our Polish heavyweight Jacki Kubas.

"I'm also hopeful that our light-welterweight Chris McHale can add to the three Youth titles he has already won.

"And the news that Holyrood's Scottish bantamweight champion Gareth Stemp has turned pro has encouraged our bantamweight Dave Cowan.

"I also hope that my two boxing brothers – Owen and Sean Spence – can notch up a title double in the youth event."

Holyrood also have Lewis Benson entered at lightweight.

The Craigmillar club's title hopes rest on lightweight Tony James and light-welterweight Jason Easton, while Lochend coach Terry McCormack believes that his quartet of light-fly Liam Tervit, featherweight Steve Tiffney, featherweight Kevin Skey and welterweight Tommy Philbin are all in with a great chance of progressing to the next stage of the championships.

Admission at Lasswade High School is 10 on the door for adults and 7 for concessions with boxing due to start at 12 noon.