Boxing: Appleby gets all clear to punch again

Appleby was set to fight on the undercard of the Ricky Burns versus Joseph Laryea WBO super-featherweight title bill but was pulled out by coach Terry McCormack over fears his hand would fail to heal in time.

In response, Appleby has changed coach and relocated his training camp to Spain where a doctor's X-ray revealed the metacarpal injury to be less serious than first thought.

The medical examination was organised by former amateur boxer Steve Williams, who owns the Sparta gym in Javea, near Benidorm, where he also promotes pro boxing shows.

Williams explained: "I had a Spanish doctor X-ray Paul's damaged hand and he told us that while he had, indeed, damaged his metacarpals, he will be able to start punching the punchball again next week and should be able to resume action much sooner than previously thought.

"Paul has made a good decision coming here - Glasgow based lightweight Willie Limond and world super-middleweight champion Carl Froch are regular users of my gym here in Javea - and Appleby and I have agreed that, while he will still remain managed and promoted by Frank Warren, he will base himself here for training between fights and I will coach and train him.'' The set-up was hailed by former South Queensferry boxer Appleby, who said: "The weather here means that I can do roadwork without worrying about our dismal Scottish weather. I am really chuffed that it is now highly possible I will be able to box on March 12 in Glasgow as I want to win my British featherweight title back as soon as possible. I have my own apartment out here and Stevie is going all out to make sure that I'm fit and ready for my next bout."

MONDAY'S report on the Eastern amateur boxing championships at Bowhill stated that Craigmillar's Joe Murray outpointed Hawick's Jake Mulroy 12-3 in their 42kg clash. The scoreline was announced at ringside in error and Murray did, in fact, win by 5-3.