RISK AND REWARD
Fighter ready for Scottish welterweight title bid after handful of pro bouts
Killearn boxer Liam Philip admits he’s rolling the dice as he hunts for a Scottish title in just his sixth pro fight – but is confident he will emerge with a belt around his waist on Saturday.
The 36-year-old moves up to the full ten-round distance for the first time in his professional career on Saturday as he takes on Englishman Alfie Poole for the Scottish welterweight crown in Glasgow.
So far, Liam’s accession into the pro ranks after a long amateur career hasn’t hit a snag with five wins in a row – and his last clash with Marek Laskowski in February ending inside the second round.
Liam will compete on the ‘Fortune Favours the Brave’ card organised by Kynoch Boxing Promotions at the Doubletree by Hilton on Saturday.
His 24-year-old Cumbrian opponent will prove a dangerous customer, coming into the bout with an undefeated record from four fights.
But Philip is confident that his experience and hunger will prove too much on fight night as he aims to keep his progress going.
He said: “It’s been tough, a gruelling camp with training three times a day as I make the step up to ten rounds but all of the hard work is done now so it’s just about winding down and recuperating in the days leading up to the fight.
“I’m in with a good boy, he’s hungry and undefeated but with a higher risk comes a higher reward and I feel that I will be too experienced and strong for him on the night.
“I don’t think he’s fought at this level, I’ve had a look and watched his fights and I believe there are errors that I can pick up on.
“He’s got my respect for his record but that all gets left at the door when the fight starts. I’ve trained to be the Scottish champion, we’ve touched on every base in the gym and I feel really confident.” Liam understands his path to success has been a
slower one after his years in the amateur ranks, but insists that catching up for lost time just adds even more desire in between the ropes.
He added: “I’ve been training and sparring with heavier boys and that has been good. I absolutely feel ready for the spotlight and because of my age, I’m in a bit of a hurry.
“I’ve been boxing for 25 years and I have a vast wealth of experience in there so I feel the time is right now to get my hands on a domestic title.
“Neither of us have been ten rounds in our career yet but this is the perfect
chance to get a belt.”