Burns Night Extravaganza Preview

Burns Night Extravaganza Preview

By Allen Payne

“I’d really love to challenge for the Lonsdale belt, like my dad” … Local boxer Martin Harkin (8-0) takes one step closer to his British Title dream as he takes on Tony Dixon for the vacant Celtic welterweight Title at the end of January. If he wins this fight, he would become ranked in the top ten in Britain – making him eligible to fight for the prestigious Lonsdale (British) Title. The same belt his dad challenged for 30 years ago.

However, to have any chance of getting that opportunity he’ll have to get past Welsh welterweight champion, Tony Dixon. Although Lee’s record stands at (11-2), his two losses have only come to top-level opponents. The Welshman might have more experience but Martin is relishing the opportunity he’s got in front of him.

“I’m really happy with this fight. He’s only been beaten by two good guys; a British Champion and a Celtic Champion so if everything goes to plan and I get the win hopefully it will be me noticed “

Martin was initially scheduled to fight for this title in December in Belfast, however it had to be cancelled last-minute due to an injury to his opponent. He’s left December’s disappointments behind him and feels that everything has worked out to suit him better.

“I think it’s all worked out for the better! I never had a problem with travelling for the fight but this means it’ll be a lot easier for my family and friends to come and support me. As I was preparing for the fight in December, I have come right off the back of a full training camp, so I’ve not really stopped training since October! I know my trainer [Danny Lee] will have me in my top condition come fight night “

Also on the card are two undefeated prospects Nathaniel Collins and Boris Crighton, both (2-0).

Nate ‘The Nightmare’ Collins, who has recently been sparring with world-class opponent, Michael Conlan. He filled me in on how his training has been going as he prepares for his fight on the card.

“I feel good! Training has been going well, I just done my first 12 rounds sparring in a row in this camp! It just shows how fit and mentally prepared I am, I had been doing 8 and 6 rounds regularly and I’m more than ready to go! I’m just looking to go in and work on new things I’ve been working on in the gym and hopefully put on a great performance! “

The flashy southpaw has made some big changes as this marks his first fight as a full-time boxer as he intends to start 2019 with a big statement.

“It’s been my first time training full-time, which is allowing me to train 2 and 3 times a day and its been amazing getting the proper time to just do my thing, get good nutrients in and most of all, I’m getting a good bit of rest between sessions. The only struggle is I don’t have any sponsors helping me so it’s a struggle financially! But you can’t put a price on happiness and I’m loving what I am doing so hopefully the rest comes! “

Boris returns to Glasgow hoping to continue his stoppage streak at light heavyweight.

The event is taking place at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Glasgow, on Thursday 31st of January as part of St Andrews Sporting Club’s ‘Burn’s Night Extravaganza’. If you are interested in attending this black tie event for a Burns supper and great night of boxing, get in contact with the boxers via Facebook or contact St Andrews Sporting club direct on ‭0141 810 5700‬.