Scottish call-up is the focus for Luke Perth Railway member’s talent to be assessed
Perth boxer Luke Bibby is in the running to represent Scotland at the GB youth and junior Three Nations in April.
The 16-year-old has been invited to the national high-performance centre, the Olympia building in Glasgow, for an assessment session this weekend.
It is in invitation which comes after an impressive performance at Ravenscraig on Sunday, where Luke secured 60kg elite youth gold.
He defeated Darren Williamson of Viewpark by a split decision for a third triumph in under a year after winning the novice and intermediate titles.
Perth Railway Club coach Stevie Petrie was in the corner for Luke and believes he is set for further success in the ring.
“He has a great chance this weekend,” Petrie said. “I’m not expecting there to be a lot of guys at his weight.
“He should get straight into the British Championships. We had a member, Ben Kynoch, who won it a few years back. Ben is the only member we’ve had representing the club at that British level.
“Luke has fought for this and to get to this level.
“Sunday was good for Luke. He lost the first round and he knew that at the time. The other boy was awkward and a southpaw, the same as Luke, so it was hard.
“In the second round he went out all guns blazing and gave the boy a count of eight early in the round so it was all down to the third.
“It was so close I couldn’t pick it. I would have given it to Luke because he’s our lad but I wasn’t Luke Bibby gets the decision sure if he’d won. But he got it four judges to one.
“Luke was very happy with it and no one at this club has done the treble before. The fact he has won the three championships in one season is impressive.
“It’s a great achievement in the short time he has been here.”
Petrie has watched the young fighter rise through the ranks at the club - and that is all down to hard work.
“He has only had two defeats and the first one was against a big, tall lad from Inverness in one of his opening fights,” said the Railway coach. “That was a close decision.
“Luke doesn’t like to get beat. When he does it makes him train harder. He knows he is good but you need confidence. He doesn’t get nervous and can take a hit.
“If he gets to train with the Scottish team then he will develop even more. That could take him to the next level.”
Petrie went on: “If Luke doesn’t go pro we’re looking at the Commonwealth Games. He has been our best achieving boxer in recent years.
“Luke can go as far as he wants. To make a Commonwealth Games team it takes sacrifice: your time, dedication, giving up weekends and going out with pals.
“But Luke would rather be in the gym on a Saturday night.
“Everyone has been giving him high-fives at training for his success.”