FIGHTERS TARGETING TITLE TILT Three Fighting Scots on course for shot at belts in 2017
Top county promoter Francis Gilluley says at least three of his fighters will be put up for title fights next year.
Hamilton’s Kevin Duris stopped Bolton’s Luke Brown in the first round, Chris Buchanan from Bellshill did the same to Adam Kap from Liverpool and Paul Brannan successfully defended his title against Chris Wong from Belfast during the most recent Fight Night at the Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Park.
Francis, who runs the Fighting Scots Gym in Mossend, was also impressed with Scott Burns from Bothwell, who beat Kyle Windass from Liverpool in his first fight for the club.
The ambitious promoter has also applied for Amateur Boxing Club status for the gym, which would see them offer all of the boxing disciplines, and help keep scores of kids off the streets.
Francis said of Fight Night XII: “It was a great success, a great crowd and some great fights.
“Kevin Duris was too powerful for his opponent and stopped him in the first round.
“I thought that would be a very tough test for Kevin, and he certainly came through it with flying colours, even though it was his first fight for a year.
“We’ll be chasing opponents for him next year in the 69kg category. He’s a terrific fighter with great power. He’s in the right hands, getting good sparring from guys who are at the professional level, and who are themselves good fighters.
“March 4 will be his next outing at the next Fight Night also at the Alona Hotel. Kevin is pushing up the rankings and we hope he will get a title shot in May next year.
“I have a lot of faith powerful puncher.
“Paul Brannan won against a very tough opponent in Chris Wong. It was a great fight, but Paul outpointed him and retained his British title. He also has a bantamweight and Celtic title, in him, he’s a and will be going for lightweight soon.
“Paul will go for a European title next, and we hope he will go professional next year. He’s very good, he’s dedicated and skilful – he has all the tools to make it.”
Francis added: “For Chris Buchanan it was his first fight for a while, but he has a good amateur record and is a good fighter with a lot of experience.
“It’s good for him to be in and about it, and he will be chasing titles.
“Another fighter who was outstanding was Scott Burns from Bothwell, who was taking part in his first fight with us, but looks to have a good bit of experience. He got a stoppage against Kyle Windass, and is another up-and-coming fighter, who will be fighting in March as well.
“Overall we had 10 fights and three junior exhibitions as well, which is good for the younger ones. We want to get amateur status for kids next year as well, to give them more of a showcase.
“We do Thai, kick- and semi-pro, the only one missing is amateur boxing.”