Coaches expect much from Eastern fighters in 2009

Published on Monday 5 January 2009 08:47

EASTERN amateur boxers are poised to deliver a bumper crop of successes in 2009.

That's the prediction from Scottish national youth and senior squad coaches Peter Harrison and Kevin Smith, for both men have seen more amateur boxers in action over the last 12 months than anyone else.

"Quality amateur boxers in the east are so thick on the ground just now that I'm really looking forward to this coming new year – especially at international level," said Harrison.

"Firstly, look at Gilmerton. I expect British youth lightweight champion Conor McCallum to win European honours and shine in any international tournament-because Conor has ring savvy and boxing skills way beyond his years.

"The same applies at bantamweight where Gilmerton southpaw Josh Taylor is well capable of improving on the Commonwealth Youth Games bronze that he won at Pune in India and let's not forget Sparta's Scottish youth bantamweight champion Stuart Blackie, who has a great jab and combination punches."

Taylor also came in for special mention from Smith. "Josh has impressed me so much with his speed and punch variety that I've pencilled him in for the forthcoming January Chemical Cup tournament in Germany.

"Also, I'll be calling up Lochend's outstanding Scottish ten-stone champion John Thain."

Harrison insisted on talking up some unheralded fighters, too, including youth boxers such as Midlothian pair Dylan Moffat and Max Niven and Kelty's Fraser Gorn, who won a British Schoolboys title in 2008.

"Also, Lochend middleweight John McCallum is a cracking prospect,'' added Harrison.