Boxing: McEwan sets his sights on dream bout at Easter Road

Los Angeles-based McEwan, unbeaten in 18 pro bouts in the United States, has set himself a target of becoming best in his division – then defending his title at Hibs' home ground – within the next two years.

McEwan, originally from Wester Hailes, received a hero's welcome from boxing fans at the recent Leith Victoria annual Spring boxing show where – between numerous autograph and photo requests – he took time out to explain his future plans.

He said: "I have set myself a definite target to win – then defend – the world middleweight title at Easter Road stadium within the next two years.

"I know that other boxers like Alex Arthur have mentioned this Easter Road boxing scenario before but the fact remains that no Scottish boxer is better placed to make this dream a reality than I am.

"My uncle, Willie McEwan, is a major sponsor at Hibs so I know that I can count on his support and influence to make that scenario happen. But that's the easy part – I've got to win the world title first."

McEwan points to his American base – he is coached and seconded by the legendary Freddie Roach – as key to his ambitions. "As a realist, I know that given the present in-depth quality of middleweights at world level in the USA that will be a tough task but there are several reasons why I believe I can make it happen within the next 18 months to two years," he said.

"Firstly, I am coached and seconded by Freddie Roach, who also coaches current world champion Amir Khan.

"If I had stayed in Scotland there is no way I would have obtained the vast variety of sparring that I routinely get in LA. In which Scottish gym right now could I get to spar with world raters like Ernesto Miranda, Shane Mosley or Manny Pacquiao?

"I spar daily with all styles and experience levels that you simply couldn't find in any Scottish or British gym and that's one major reason why I am unbeaten in 18 bouts.

"And, unlike so many other Scottish or British boxers who come to fight in the USA and struggle to adapt to American conditions, I scored my best pro victory in Texas against former Contender series boxer Brian Vera in 120 degree heat.

"However, when it comes to world title shots, connections are everything and even there I am well placed because my co-manager, Oscar de La Hoya, has told me that, should I win my next two fights against world rated opposition (recently dethroned world champ Kelly Pavlik is one strong possibility] then he will press my case to challenge for the world middleweight title in 2011."