Boxing: Simmons and Taylor are local boxing gurus' top tips to shine in 2010

FOUR local amateur boxing coaches and officials have taken time out from plotting the downfall of their fighters' opponents to nominate the local stars they think will shine in 2010.

Queensferry coach Mark Geraghty, his Lochend counterpart Terry McCormack, and Craigmillar and Sparta officials Stewart Anderson and George Forsyth all agreed on two men they think will win medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi – Lochend light-flyweight Josh Taylor and Leith Victoria heavyweight Steve Simmons.

Geraghty said: "Two eastern boxers could capture gold at opposite ends of the weight divisions at the Commonwealth Games.

"Josh Taylor is utterly outstanding and Steven Simmons had only two losses in eleven bouts last year.

"At club level, Craigmillar lightweight Jason Easton and flyweights Joe Murray and Daniel Wickstead will, I'm sure, grab medals next year."

Anderson added: "Josh Taylor will capture even more honours but I also like Midlothian's youth champion Barry Hogg, who boxes like a veteran although he is in his early teens, and Lochend lightweight David Dickson.

"I also rate the superb counter-punching skills of both Liam Tervit and lightweight Sean Spence."

For Lochend coach McCormack, Queensferry light-welterweight Chris McHale is one to watch. McCormack said: "He reminds me of a young Ken Buchanan – he moves fast and fluidly around the ring and has a great mastery of the main punches."

Finally, Sparta official Forsyth added: I have been impressed by young Craigmillar boxers Joe Murray and Daniel Wickstead."