Anderson in St Andrew's gala spotlight

IF KENNY Anderson needs inspiration to ignite his slow-burning professional career, he will find it tonight when he headlines a historic night for Scottish boxing.

The 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist tops the bill at the 300th show of the St Andrew's Sporting Club, bedrock of the sport in this country for 37 years.

As Anderson attempts to press his claims for major title honours, he will be watched by Scottish boxing legends Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt whose epic British lightweight championship battle marked the opening night of the St Andrew's Sporting Club in January 1973.

For Tommy Gilmour, who earned 5 for carrying Watt's spit bucket on that launch night and liked the club so much he later bought it, it is a momentous occasion.

"Even people who are not necessarily fans of boxing can connect with the St Andrew's Sporting Club," said Gilmour. "The bottom line will always be to give young Scottish boxers a platform to build careers in the sport, but we are fortunate the club has achieved a wider status."

Anderson, unbeaten since turning professional after his gold medal success in Melbourne, faces highly rated Patrick Mendy of Gambia. Victory is essential for the Edinburgh boxer if he is to remain on course for a challenge to British super-middleweight champion Paul Smith.