Mccallum couldn’t turn down dream title shot in Russia
John Mccallum understands why his mates think he’s lost his mind by signing to fight undefeated Evgeny Tishchenko in the Russian’s backyard.
The Edinburgh cruiserweight admits the sensible thing would have been to walk away from the chance to face Tishchenko for the vacant WBO European crown on November 7.
But he insists it was an offer that he couldn’t refuse.
Mccallum, 32, hasn’t even boxed since February last year.
And with 35,000 of his countrymen backing Tishchenko at the Ekateringburg Stadium several hundred miles from Moscow, the odds are stacked against Mccallum.
But Mccallum insists: “This is my reallife Rocky story.
“Clearly no one is expecting me to win, and I understand that.
“When you look at Tishchenko’s record, common sense tells you who to bet on.
“But it’s my choice. I’m no longer interested in fighting journeymen.
“I want to have meaningful fights and it’s this or hang up my gloves.
“There’s nothing like getting chucked in at the deep end, but chances like this don’t come along very often.
“I’ve never boxed at this level. But I’ve nothing to lose.
“I wouldn’t say
I’m scared, but I am nervous, as Tishchenko’s record is amazing.
“But this is what dreams are made of, and I want to achieve something in boxing for myself and to make my country proud.
“As long as I do myself justice, I’ll settle for that. I just want to test myself, in the knowledge that I’ve got a huge heart and a decent right hand.”