Stephen has golden hopes for the games
Boxer is one medal way from place in Commonwealth
Cleland boxer Stephen Newns could be one gold medal away from the Commonwealth Games.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a superb season which has now seen him called up to the Scotland squad for next month’s Tammer Tournament in Finland.
The Cleland Boxing Club member will go in ranked as the number one senior for the Boxing Scotland team and is targeting gold from the multi- nation event.
Now the former Taylor High pupil is hopeful he can bag a place at next summer’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
He said: “After this tournament the Commonwealth Games squad will be announced and it’s always been my aim to be part of that.
“The best way to do that is to go out there and win gold.
“It will be a tough tournament but I’ve had experience at these tournaments and last year I was fighting at the World Youth Championships too.
“When I was in Ukraine for the European Championships in June I sparred with the guy who won the tournament at my weight category last year and I felt really comfortable.
“Every tournament I go to I want to win gold so this is no different.
“I want to go to prove a point and show why I should be selected.
“I could have as many as four fights and I’ll be fighting every day which will be tough but it’s the kind of experience I want to have.”
Stephen may also be on the brink of making the GB assessment team as he has a fight down at the English Institute of Sport in December.
It could be the first step on the way to Olympic glory for the Cleland scrapper.
Stephen, who is coached by his dad, Stephen Snr, said: “It would be great to be involved with that set-up but I’m only focusing on the Tammer Tournament.
“I’ll just keep working hard in the club and work towards next month.
“If I can win gold there, I’ll then start to think about the fight in Sheffield because it’s against a podium fighter from Team GB so it would be a big statement.
“But the Commonwealth Games was always my main priority.”
Cleland coach Ronnie Blackburn added: “Stephen has been fantastic and is a great role model for all the kids at the club.
“He’s had a great season and hopefully he can get some more success in Finland.”