Finney loses but McEwan into Commonwealth boxing semis

EASTERN District boxers had mixed fortunes on the opening day of the fourth Commonwealth Federation Boxing Championships at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall.

In the ring, Kirkcaldy welterweight Edward Finney found his South African opponent Bonani Mwelase too hot to handle.

The Fife boxer was stopped in the third round of their quarter-final bout as Fife-based Finney was clearly outgunned by the much stronger African boxer.

However, in contrast, Clovenstone's Scottish middleweight champion Craig McEwan was cock-a-hoop after getting a bye into Friday's championship semi-finals, where he faces either England's James Dagale or New Zealander Justin Potter.

Said a happy McEwan: "I hope Dagale beats Potter as I want revenge against the Englishman who controversially outpointed me in Liverpool next month."

Leith Victoria's Scottish heavyweight champion Steve Simmons faces South African Sean Santana in today's championship session.

Gimerton's Scottish featherweight champion Jason Hastie has drawn a total dark horse in Swaziland's Thokazani Masuka.

Admitted Hastie: "I know from past experience these Africans are always tough."