SCOTTISH heavyweights Gary Cornish and Jay Carrigan-McFarlane both described MTK Scotland as โtaking overโ Scottish boxing under the leadership of Sam Kynoch. Hereโs what he had to say about it ahead of MTK Scotlandโs Capital Collision promotion, which will be screened live on BoxNation this Friday.
โI just think itโd be a massive shot in the arm if we can have more champions after Friday. Weโve got lots of boxers looking to come on board, weโve got an existing stable which is in a good state and I think the futureโs a bright one,โ Kynoch told Boxing News.
โIโve got a lot of ambition and hunger as does everyone else in MTK. The aim is to keep busy and keep growing. Itโs about evolving.โ
Scottish boxing is definitely evolving. If Gary Cornish claims the British heavyweight title on Friday heโll be the first Scotsman to do so. Meanwhile stablemate Stephen Simmons competes for the IBF European Cruiserweight Title against 9-1 prospect, Simon Barclay.
Kynoch is clearly overjoyed with his stableโs progress, on former Anthony Joshua opponent, Cornish, he says, โWeโre making history. Should we have a Londsdale belt holder come Saturday Iโll be very pleased and very proud, and on a personal level delighted for Gary. Heโs a gentleman and he deserves all the success he getsโ.
The promoter is confident of his chargeโs title chances too, arguing that Sam Sexton (despite his experience,) has been โtreading water for some timeโ. On future prospects for the Scottish heavyweight giant Kynoch remains optimistic โIt would be a great boost for his career. If he wins the Lonsdale belt it would open up a plethora of options in what is a great division domestically… Thereโs great fights out there for Gary and doors are going to open for him.โ
When asked if, should both fighters defeat their opponents in October, a British showdown between Gary Cornish and Dave Allen could be on the cards, Sam didnโt rule it out, saying โItโd be a great fight. The Dave Allen fightโs one I think is very winnable for Gary. To take both belts would be greatโฆ If they can both get through their respective fights I think that would make sense for definite.โ
Dave Allenโs cult following and the keen cross-border rivalry could make a potential match-up a winner for fans. If both win in October it would also see the British heavyweight champion face off against the Commonwealth heavyweight champion.
Elsewhere on the Card Stephen Simmons has seen a last minute replacement as his opponent for the British Cruiserweight Title, Matty Askin, withdrew through injury. As Sam explained, โin stepped Simon Barclay, whoโs 9-1. Iโve managed to secure the IBF European belt for it, so Stephenโs delighted in the circumstances, the IBF belt is a great replacement.โ
Rather than the (all too common,) Eastern European journeyman replacement, MTK Scotland have, to their credit, found a young, hungry, British fighter. Kynoch described Barclay as โa UK opponent coming in full of ambition, Simon sees it as a big opportunity. Itโs come out of the blue and at short notice but he was already in the gymโฆ he certainly canโt be overlooked.โ
In his closing remarks Sam Kynoch sounded optimistic about the state of Scottish boxing. For a nation in which the sport has limped along, for too long, using Alex Arthur and Ricky Burn as crutches, more stars are emerging and big nights of Scottish boxing look increasingly likely. Sam argued, โThe more big nights we can get like this the better, but thatโs not to undermine the smaller shows, weโve got three shows in three weeks! Weโre keeping our boxers active and busy so they can get out there and build their records. Thereโs lots of new boxers coming on board and weโre developing the stable we already have.โ Watch this space for a crop of great fighters north of the border.
MTK Scotlandโs Capital Collision promotion takes place this Friday at Edinburghโs Meadowbank Sports Centre. Gary Cornish and Sam Sexton headline in their heavyweight contest for the British Title.