Talented Steven's boxing clever

Jun 24 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

A PROMISING young boxer has hit the headlines after moving from a club in Paisley to one in Greenock and seeing his growing talents recognised at international level.

Steven McCall, of Renfrew, started boxing at the age of 13, then had his first fight at 14, under the tuition of Colin Bellshaw at Renfrewshire ABC, in Paisley.

He had a further six fights under Renfrewshire ABC in which he won the majority of his contests.

However, Steven’s dad Billy thought there weren’t enough boys of his age group at the Renfrewshire club to spar with, so decided the time was right to move him to Greenock ABC – and go under the tuition of Danny Lee.

And the young hitman is fast making a name for himself.

Steven and his dad travel 15 miles there and back again every Monday, Wednesday and Friday were there is a wealth of well-schooled young talent for him to spar with.

Proud dad Billy takes up the story: “Steven has excelled.

“In his first fight for Greenock, they entered the West of Scotland Championships and he won a gold medal by beating an experienced boy who had won the title for the past few years.

“Steven went on to box two older and more experienced boys than himself and walked away from both with convincing wins.

“After his 10th bout, Steven was asked by the Scotland coach Peter Harrison to represent his country at Edinburgh in the tri-nations championships, in which the best boxers from Scotland, England and Wales come together to battle it out for supremacy.”

And young Steven acquitted himself very well against some tough opponents, such as the reigning English champion, Connor Nixon.

Steven’s coach Danny Lee said: “We had watched the boy fight and knew he was a very experienced boxer with 28 bouts under his belt.

“We also knew that what Steven lacks in experience, he more than makes up for with technical ability.

“In three closely contested rounds, Steven got beaten on a points decision and earned himself a silver medal, doing himself, club and country proud.

“If he keeps training hard and progressing at the rate he’s doing just now, he’ll have a big future in the sport.”

“The club goes to Canada next month to take part in a West of Scotland select versus a Canadian select and although all our boxers are not selected, Steven has done enough to be picked to represent the club.

“After only 11 fights, it is a great achievement.”

Steven said: “I’m really enjoying my boxing now and feeling confident every time I step through the ropes, although I would love another crack at the English champion as I gave him too much respect in the first round.

“That’s where I lost the fight, but the next two rounds were very close.

“Representing my country after just 10 fights was brilliant and Peter says I’ve got plenty more trips with Scotland to look forward to, so that’s pleasing.

“Danny Lee has spent a lot of time with me since I joined the club and I’m grateful for the time he gives up to train me.”

Steven would also like to thank his sponsors who include JR Scaffolding, Matt Vac and Billy Hutchison who give him tremendous backing every time he steps into the ring.

Dad Billy added: “Steven has not long turned 16 and is hoping to gain more Scotland vests and add to the gold and silver medals he’s already won.

“Greenock ABC had three boys in the tri-nations this year and they came away with a gold, silver and a bronze, which is an astonishing achievement.”