WHEN Alex MacMillan says he’s travelled a long way to pursue his boxing dreams, he’s not kidding. From home in Morecambe, Lancashire, to McGuigan’s Gym in Wandsworth, London. 258 miles to be exact.
Speaking to Boxing News from his hometown of Morecambe, MacMillan envisions the next 10 to 15 years will be spent honing his craft and picking up belts, all from Shane’s gym. It’s a big sacrifice, but Alex’s high-risk, high-reward ethos makes this an opportunity he just couldn’t turn down.
“It was never down the Olympic route or the GB route. As an amateur, I had 74 bouts, won 61. I’ve only been beaten by the best in the country. In the Nationals the person who beat me was Callum Makin, he’s now on the GB squad,” MacMillan explained.
A trip down south to spar with Lee Cutler led to a chat in a cafe about future plans. The opportunity to train under McGuigan and Josh Pritchard soon presented itself. As turning professional was always the MacMillan goal, there was no time like the present.
“I’ve always had a pro style from when I started boxing at the age of 15. I’ve always been around pros because of my brother [Reece, who fought for the British title recently].
“I had to adapt to the amateur game, which I’ve been able to do well. I feel like now, especially under Shane and Josh, in the professional game, you are going to see the best of me.”
An orthodox boxer who’s not afraid to switch things up and adapt, MacMillan is hoping to showcase those debutant skills on a card around November. Nothing has been put in place yet, however.
With a number of divisions in flux, and ageing champions and contenders on the way out, mixing in the domestic welterweight scene is the goal. Sparring boxers around that level and holding his own has given the 21-year-old a renewed sense of confidence.
Coming from a town with a famous fighter inspiring the locals is also likely to imbue confidence. A certain ‘Gypsy King’ can often be seen punching along the promenade, encouraging and motivating potential champions of the future.
“I see Tyson Fury a lot around Morecambe. Honestly, he’s great. He’s just like anybody in Morecambe, except he was the heavyweight champion of the world. You see him in the local gyms; it’s just normal, there’s nothing different.
“You look at him just like anybody else. What he’s achieved is what you could only dream of. I’m still seeing him about going on runs at the prom and at the Jubilee Towers on the hill. It’s great to see and he mixes with the community as well. Your local up-and-coming boxers, he goes on runs with them.
“It’s good to have a figure like that in Morecambe because it gives people like me and the younger generation something to look forward to, to look up to, and know that you can achieve something out of boxing.”
Achieving something in boxing is the key goal for Alex MacMillan, who has abandoned home comforts, engaging in an entire life upheaval.
“Relocating to London is a massive sacrifice, but it’s a sacrifice that I’m willing to make. Everything that’s led to this point has taken hard work, dedication, and commitment. It’s put me in good stead, built good character.
“It just gives me more fire in my belly. I’ve got the talent, but I believe inside, nobody wants it as much as I do. Nobody will train as hard as I will.”
