Seconds out for Callen
Paisley fighter is balancing his ring time and uni studies well
Paisley boxer Callen McAulay is counting down the days until his next two knockout shows.
The 19- year- old has been confirmed on the bill for MTK’s Evolution promotion at The Lagoon on Saturday, April 7, before returning to action less than a fortnight later when he takes on Liall MacKenzie at the St Andrew’s show at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow.
Undefeated in his first two professional bouts, McAulay says he is simply striving to keep the success flooding in. Each victory has brought increased attention and having received the call from MTK, he is excited about the year ahead.
He told Express Sport: “It is quite a quick turnaround but I am looking forward to both fights, and if I stay fit then it shouldn’t be a problem.
“I was delighted to get the call from MTK, I have trained with them a few times and they are a big promotion so it was great.
“It has always been the aim to get four or five fights under my belt this year so this is a great way to keep that going.
“I am feeling good and the work I have been putting in is really starting to pay off in my opinion.
“I won’t know who I am facing for the MTK night closer to the time but I am really looking forward to boxing in Paisley and I am looking forward to what should be a great night.
“The St Andrew’s shows have been where I have predominately boxed before and they are always great occasions. There is no reason that would be any different this time around, but with being unbeaten I am confident that I can continue the good memories.”
McAulay is back in the thick of training for the upcoming shows.
But there has been no rest for the youngster with his university exams coming just as thick and fast as the punches in the gym.
Dividing his time between Strathclyde Uni and the ring, McAulay admits using the most of whatever time he has is now second nature.
“It is a busy time of the year that’s for sure,” he added.
“My exams are coming up right in the middle of the fights so I am having to stay on top of everything, which I would do anyway.
“I’m still enjoying it and my studies have always been important so there is no chance of taking my foot off the gas for either.”
But, having turned pro just over a year ago, McAulay insists that he has found the step up relatively straightforward.
However, with the prospect of longer fights on the cards, he admits that he will have to start gearing up for tougher nights.
“It is a bit like Usain Bolt and Mo Farah,” he explained. “You can’t come out swinging in the longer fights, no one can. You have to be more pragmatic, pace yourself and take your opportunities when they come.
“In the amateur fights, which are all three rounds, everyone just comes out punching and tries to get it over and done with.
“But I haven’t found too much of a difference right now. But once it starts going to six and eight rounds then that’s where things change.
“Those are the fights you want to be involved in.”