HOT-SHOT FIGHTER FACING FUNDING KO
ONE of Scotland’s brightest boxing prospects could be denied the chance of glory through lack of sponsorship.
Willie Hutchison became the first Scot to be crowned World Youth Champion in Russia in November, adding to his European title.
But the 18-year-old’s trainer believes a lack of sponsor cash could be the undoing of the brilliant middleweight, who is now considering professional contracts that would deny him a tilt at Commonwealth and Olympic titles.
Frank Delaney, who runs the Springhill Boxing Club in Shotts, Lanarkshire, said: “Willie is at a massive crossroads in his career and he has some proper offers from top stables on the table.
“But many people in the game, myself included, believe he could be the best boxer Scotland has ever produced. To achieve that potential, his optimal route would be via the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and the Olympics in 2020.”
Willie, of Shotts, said: “I’m the first Scottish amateur world champion and I can’t get a sponsor – I find it a bit mind-boggling. I want to stay amateur and I want to make sure I get the right manager and trainer to keep me on the right path.” WHEN EastEnders star Kellie danced the Viennese Waltz to Oom-Pah-Pah from Oliver! during musicals week, it had former HOW many times have we heard celebrity contestants say: “I just want to make it to Blackpool”?
And it’s not just them who get swept up in the magic of famous seaside town.
Len said: “What a treat, the Golden Mile, the Tower, it’s my favourite trip of the year. You never know what you’re going to see but whatever it is, it’s bound to be special.
“Blackpool is like a footballer playing at Wembley and performing in that beautiful venue really makes everybody up their game.”
And the judge’s favourite Blackpool moments comes courtesy of the One Show and Countryfile presenter Matt Baker. Len said: “When he danced this Samba at Blackpool, it was one show I’ll never forget.” east end barrow boy Len asking for more. He said it reminded him of a knees-up down the Queen Vic – where Kellie rules as landlady Linda Carter.
He said it’s his favourite themed routine, adding: “It’s a Dickens of a routine.” POP star Jay McGuiness was possibly the most nervous contestant ever to grace Strictly.
Presenter Tess Daly revealed the former Wanted singer had been “shaking like a leaf” when the series kicked off.
But in week three he got his first 10 for his now famous jive – and he went on to lift the Glitterball trophy.
Len said: “What a bit of music and what a routine to put to it. They didn’t dance it again in the final but I’m convinced people’s memories of it are what helped them pick up the trophy. I was grinning from ear to ear at the end.” EVERY year, Strictly has an underdog and in 2013, it was the turn of Waterloo Road actor Mark Benton.
Len said: “He was a big guy and not a favourite to win the series. But after this routine, he turned into one of my favourites all right.
“This cha-cha-cha might not have been technically perfect, but it was a glorious piece of entertainment.”
Dressed in a gold top and chain, Mark threw in some MC Hammer moves to this memorable routine that Len claimed “got me happier than a dog with two tails.”