BEN RAMAGE

Some of Renfrewshire’s finest young boxers will get the chance to show off their skills to Scottish legend Ricky Burns.

The three-weight world title winner will be at Linwood Boxing Club’s show on Friday night, their first since before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Burns, who made a winning return to the ring back in December, will be bringing his belts to Linwood Welfare Club in a bid to inspire the young boxers on to similar success.

And Linwood Boxing Club’s Alison McIntyre, who works for Boxing Scotland, is certain the VIP guest will be impressed by the action in the ring, which is set to see a father and son duo compete on the same night.

McIntyre told Express Sport: “This is our first show since lockdown and we’re very excited to be back in action.

“There’s going to be 12 bouts on the night, from ages 13 all the way up to 38.

“Dean Smith will be taking on his first bout as a senior and his son Finlay is also boxing on the same night, so it will be a historic night for their family.

“We’re delighted to also have Ricky Burns coming along, who is a real icon of Scottish boxing.

“He’s a massive name in the sport, so I’m sure he’ll be a great inspiration to all the youngsters there especially.

“I’m sure he’ll be happy to pose for a few pictures with his belts as well.”

Linwood Boxing Club had to reopen a new facility during the pandemic after being forced to leave their historic Napier Street base.

Run by McIntyre and her husband John – a former professional boxer – they are always on the lookout for new talent as they continue to rebuild.

McIntyre said: “The club is coming on really well now and we’re picking up new members all the time.

“We did lose a lot of boxers over the lockdown period, but, thankfully, we’re seeing participation heading back the right way.

“We had a great donation from Dom and Diane McGhee, who own Direct Engineering in Linwood, to get the new club up and running.

“We’re very appreciative of that and of all the other support we’ve had to keep on going.

“We’re always on the lookout for new members from the age of 12, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re interested in taking up the sport.”

Tickets for the show, priced at £25, are still available. For more information, call Alison McIntyre on 07398 444 897.