Kilsyth Golden Gloves fighters are boxing clever

Alex White (14) represented Scotland in an international match against Wales in Edinburgh last weekend.

And the youngster, from Banknock, turned in an impressive display to beat Welsh opponent Luke Fowler in a 46kg contest.

Alex’s international call-up followed his success in winning the Scottish Novice Championships in December.

Also in action in the Edinburgh show was 11-year-old Leo Alexander, from Cumbernauld, who won his first ever fight.

Coach Francie Connor said: “Leo’s a bit of a character and he was brilliant. He won really well, really stylish.”

The Kilsyth gym also had two boys fighting in the Scottish Championships at Ravenscraig in Motherwell on Saturday and both reached their respective finals .

Josh Kennedy (13), from Muirhead, was looking to add the national title at 43 kilos to the West of Scotland Championship crown he won last month, but lost out to James Gillespie, from the Rob Roy club in Glasgow.

There was also final disappointment, despite a fine performance from 15-year-old Cwawford Campbell, from Kirkintilloch, who lost out to Lewis Urquhart from Highland BA in the 46kilos final.

Francie said: “He boxed absolutely brilliantly but was beaten on a controversial split decision.”

The youngsters are part of a thriving set-up at the Golden Gloves and can take inspiration from the fact that the gym is also the base to no fewer than four Scottish pro fighters - Stevie Beattie, Derek Skinner, Ally Black and Monty Ogilvie.