McNeil ensures eastern boxers fight on two fronts

Published on Thursday 27 March 2008 09:16

WITH eastern eyes focusing on Edinburgh duo Kenny Anderson and Jason Hastie at Glasgow's SECC on Saturday, it's easy to forget that Fauldhouse boxer Colin McNeil will also be in action – 160 miles away in Aberdeen.

However, the southpaw welterweight is on the Lee McAllister v Kpakpo Allotey world title fight bill. And what's more his bout with Sheffield's Tyan Booth over six rounds represents a crucial comeback fight for the 1998 Commonwealth Games Bronze medal winner, who is returning after breaking his leg doing roadwork six months ago.

Said McNeil: "This fight with Tyan Booth is my first taste of ring action since 2007 when I was stopped inside the distance by American Cornelius "K-9" Bunderage in Newcastle. And, with my broken leg halting training and sparring, I've had to train really hard to get rid of ring rust. But I'm confident I can impress against Booth – who is nearly 6ft 4in tall and will tower over me – as I am a body puncher so I'll look to come in under Booth's long left leads and attack his body.

"I've been sparring with Bannockburn light-welterweight Jamie Coyle who is tall so I've had plenty of practice in this body punching strategy."

Meanwhile, another prominent member of eastern boxing's casualty list, welterweight Gary Young, has been given the all clear by medics after breaking his hand last Autumn at Linwood against Englishman David Kirk.

Said Young: "Not only has my right hand fully recovered but my manager Barry Hughes has just promised me a spot on the May 3 Alex Arthur v. Joan Guzman world title fight bill."