RISING STAR
12-year-old tipped for top
There’s a new teenage boxing star rising up in Lanarkshire - and it all started watching Rocky with his dad in Australia.
Motherwell lad and Springhill Boxing Club puncher Lewis Wardrope won the Scottish Novices confidently in November, before following that up with gold at the Scottish Intermediates last month.
And while his sights are set on the upcoming Westerns competition in Glasgow this weekend, the 12- year- old’s passion for the ring began watching the legendary Rocky character down under.
“We lived in Australia for a while and when we were down there we had the Rocky box set,” his dad Andy explained.
“Lewis loved it and when we moved back to Scotland he always wanted to try it.
“I thought when he felt his first few jabs that would be enough to put him off!
“But he’s stuck with it and absolutely loves it now. It’s his passion.”
While not being a major boxing enthusiast himself, Andrew is extremely proud of how well his son has done in such a short space of time.
He said: “I’m not really that into boxing and so I didn’t know a lot about it going in.
“But everyone that’s seen him raves about him.
“We know it’s early days but he’s done so well. I can’t express how proud we all are of him.”
Lewis can count on the full support of his family, including his older sister Loren and mum Antonia.
Outside of the ring, sporty Dalziel High S1 pupil Lewis is also a huge Motherwell fan.
And the season ticket holder was delighted he got to wear his claret and amber shorts in the ring at his latest competition.
His coach at Springhill Frank Delaney said: “Lewis is a brilliant wee boxer.
“He was outstanding at the Intermediates. The first round he was a wee bit careful but he grew into the fight and deserved to win.
“He has great movement and just gets better and better.
“His confidence is growing and I think he’s going to be brilliant if he keeps improving as he is.”