Seconds out

Boxer Robbie Graham set for pro debut

ROBBIE GRAHAM’S first professional fight will take place at the Northern

Hotel in Aberdeen against an as yet unnamed opponent.

The 26 year-old warehouse supervisor from Craigmillar has boxed for nine years as part of Team Misfits, but has now signed with the British & Irish Boxing Authority under Lee McAllister of Aberdeen Assassins, who is to set him up with his initial professional bout.

The young boxer is up at 5.30 every morning, trains seven days a week, with a gruelling schedule of running 40 miles, sparring three days a week and working on strength and conditioning on the other four.

He uses the facilities at J & L Boxing and Fitness Club in Musselburgh where his coaches Paul Barbour and Jay Tuveri put him through his paces. He said: "It will be my pro debut. I've been working towards this for about eight years now. Obviously the match is still to be confirmed due to Environmental Health who have to okay it, as well as Covid restrictions on social distancing. As far as I am concerned though, the 28th August is the big day, but there are no names as yet.

"I started boxing at the age of seven. I have won two Scottish, a British and District titles which were a stepping stone to get into boxing professionally.

"I want to be successful. I always give 110%. I am the first in the gym and last out and will travel up and down the country for sparring. My goal is to be the best I can be to achieve my dreams in the professional world of boxing.”

Robbie's principal coach, Paul, said:

"The things that stand out about Robbie are his heart, determination and resilience. He'd fight a bear with four arms if it meant more ring time.

"I've been by his side several years now and been with him through many ups and downs. Boxing is more than just a sport to him, it's given him a sense of purpose and pride.

“I've watched him grow from a lad with iron hands who liked to scrap, to someone who eats, sleeps and breathes the sport he loves. He'll travel half the country just to get an extra training session in, he listens to feedback from coaches, and actively works on improving on a daily basis.

“The step up to pro is a dream Robbie has chased for a couple of years now. He's hard working and humble, he absolutely deserves his opportunity, an opportunity I know he's grabbed with both hands.

“I'm proud to be part of this exciting journey he's on."

Robbie said: “I am about 72kgs just now which means I am a bit over my target weight. But a couple of road runs will sort that out.

"My aim is to win the bout in August and then challenge for bigger and better after that."

Robbie has been working hard at keeping fit, but also in dealing with the business side of boxing by seeking out local sponsors. He says that any contribution big or small would make a huge difference.

Promoter and boxer Lee McAllister may also fight an opponent in Aberdeen on the same date.

The fight will be shown live on Fite TV on 28 August.