Uddingston Boxer Paul hopes to make it a Burns night to remember

May 15 2008 By Andrew McGilvray

UDDINGSTON fighter Paul Burns wants to prove he’s on the “write” track by beating Welshman Gavin Tait for the International Masters belt at Motherwell Concert Hall on Friday.

For the welterweight hopeful has already planned for life outside the ring - as a journalist.

The 25-year-old, unbeaten in 10 fights, has already posted articles on a number of boxing websites and was commissioned to write a series of features on fitness for Boxing News.

Paul said: “I’ve always been interested in journalism and it has been really interesting to report on action from outside of the ring.

“I’ve given myself a bit of a taste for sports journalism by writing articles for the websites and it was a real honour when Boxing News asked me to write a few features on fitness because it is the trade paper and is read by everyone in the boxing fraternity.”

He added: “I know my boxing career won’t last forever, so it would be good if I could remain involved in the sport after I retire by becoming a journalist, even if it’s only on a part-time basis.”

By day, Burns works as a respiratory physiologist at a Glasgow hospital, performing a wide range of diagnostic tests to assess all aspects of lung functions.

But despite his fight against Tait being his first 10-rounder, Burns is convinced he won’t be out of breath at the end.

He said: “I’ve been working hard to ensure I’m in the best shape of my career and I can’t wait for fight night.

“Tait is a tough customer and he has a lot of experience, but this is a great stepping stone for me and, hopefully if I win it, will set me up for bigger things in the future.”

Coatbridge lightweight Martin Watson jointly tops the bill in an International Masters title fight against Englishman Chris Long, while undefeated Motherwell light-welterweight Paul ‘Charlie’ King and Paisley’s light-middleweight Steven Weir also feature.

Carlo Rea, of Gilroy Promotions who are co-promoting the evening, in association with Chris Gilmour, said: “Lanarkshire has a fantastic heritage as a breeding ground for boxing talent if you look back to the days of Chic Calderwood, Walter McGowan, Jake Kilrain and my own grandfather, Bert Gilroy, to mention but a few.

“Paul, Martin and the rest of the lads on the bill have a long way to go before they emulate the achievements of these legends but they certainly all have the talent to make a big impact in the coming years, and I hope the public will give them the backing they deserve on May 16.”

Tickets for the show are priced at £40 (reserved seating) and £30 (unreserved) and are available from the ticket hotline on 01236 441900, Motherwell Concert Hall on 01698 302999, or Chris Gilmour Boxing on 0141 810 5700.