Lasswade High School ready for all-action bouts

Published on Friday 29 February 2008 09:43

WITH 106 senior boxers from all over Scotland competing in 30-odd bouts at Lasswade High School tomorrow, Eastern boxing fans will not lack entertaining action in the annual Scottish senior championships prelims.

No doubt all eyes will be on the middleweight class where Leith Victoria's Fundo Mhura is making a comeback after overcoming career-threatening eye problems. This could be bad news for defending Scottish champion Darryl Campbell of Denbeath, Fife, who Mhura has previously beaten.

The Leith club have also entered Gambian 2006 Commonwealth Games light-welterweight competitor Emmodu Jammeh, who could face stiff opposition from Gilmerton's John Thain, the beaten 2007 Scottish lightweight title finalist, who has stepped up a weight to the ten stone division.

Sparta coach Mark Geraghty is upbeat about his boxers' chances in both the senior and junior championships – which will run in tandem at Lasswade. Said Geraghty: "I'm optimistic about the chances of our Eastern featherweight champion, Davie Cowan, bantamweight Gareth Stemp and welterweight Gary Collins to do well in the seniors."

"Also, I really fancy light- welterweight Brian Lacey's and lightweight Lewis Benson's championship prospects in the junior competition.

Carrying Midlothian club hopes will be their sole entry, big body punching welterweight Scott Freeman, as middleweight Steve Morgan is injured.

First bout at Lasswade will take place around 1.30pm and entry is available on the door, priced 10 for adults and 7.50 for concessions (OAPS and youths).