Hearn: Scots Have Talent On Tap

Feb 3 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

LEGENDARY promoter Barry Hearn believes Scottish boxing boasts the best talent in the UK and is helping keep the sport alive.

The man who helped the likes of Chris Eubank and Naseem Hamed to world titles has genuine fears for boxing's future.

But he's hoping Scottish kids like Kevin Anderson, Paul Appleby, Ian Millarvie and Barry Morrison can turn the sport on its head.

That's why he's so excited about promoting the British welterweight title re-match between holder Kevin McIntyre and Anderson at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow on February 29. Hearn insists the wealth of emerging Scottish talent is far better than anything coming out of his hometown London.

He said: "The boxing scene in Scotland is a lot healthier than anywhere else in the UK if you take it on average.

"I don't know why - either the weather up heremakes you hard or it's in your genes.

"There aren't that many kids coming through but there is decent talent in Scotland.

"I'm not saying you've got the next Muhammad Ali but there's talent here and it's up to us to look after them.

"I want to create shows around these kids, give them live TV exposure and allow them to showcase that talent.

"If they perform TV will follow their careers and get involved.

"Anderson has had a loss but bounced back and I know Sky think a lot of Appleby.

"He has ability and presence and we've got to get behind kids like him. If we don't we won't have a boxing business at all.

"We have to be miracle makers in the game because it's getting harder and harder.

"There has been a major shift in the world of sport. Look at darts and UFC which is now becoming really popular.

"But I'm excited about the Scottish boxing scene more than the London one.

"I go to amateur bouts all over England and don't see anyone coming through.

"There's a genuine feeling within boxing that if we don't get it right now it will be gone in 10 years so we have to do it."

Hearn revealed ITV are set to pull the plug totally on boxing which is a massive blow for the sport as a whole.

But Sky are still keen and will screen the Anderson/McIntyre bout as part of Hearn and Tommy Gilmour's show.

The card also features Morrison, Millarvie and Appleby.

Neither Anderson nor McIntyre has an unblemished record but Hearn is adamant that's almost impossible with the demand for more and more competitive contests.

He said: "There's not much out there in Britain. And that's a big plus for the young Scottish lads - because if they have the ability they'll get the attention.

"The great undefeated record is only possible now by fighting stiffs. The way boxing is, to get audiences we need to put on competetive shows and that means a good fighter will get beaten sometimes.

"I took a load of fights with Eubank a few years ago and I had to put a mirror in front of some of his opponents to make sure they were breathing.

"But the punters can't be fooled these days. Not everyone can win a world title and to land a British crown is something they'll remember. The great thing about Anderson's fight is that it's competitive.

"I can't say for certain Anderson will win. I think he's favourite but it will be tough - I thought he'd win his last one but he didn't."

TICKETS are still available for the McIntyre/Anderson show and can be bought from the Kelvin Hall on 0141 276 1450 or from St Andrew's Sporting Club on 0141 810 5700.