Aberdeen boxer Dean Sutherland could actually have benefited from lockdown, according to his promoter Sam Kynoch.
Talented youngster Sutherland, an undefeated Celtic title-holder, moved his training from Dundee to Aberdeen.
Sutherland had been training out of the Skyaxe Combat and Fitness Centre in Dundee, but the commuting time after a full day at work was proving unfeasible.
He is now working with Aberdeen-based trainer Davie McAllister, which Kynoch believes is allowing him to maximise his training sessions ahead of a potential ring return.
Kynoch said: “Lockdown opened his eyes. It was working well enough with Skyaxe in Dundee, but the travel commitment was getting a bit much. This works better for him.
“He can maximise his time in the gym and have rest time as well. He was working long days then travelling to do a training session.
“As soon as I can run a show again, he’ll be on it. He’s had some great sparring with Liam Taylor, who won last week and fought for British and Commonwealth titles last year. He’s sparred Kell Brook before and getting that experience in the gym is where it’s going to be for him.
“I genuinely believe he can be the person to bring big-time boxing back to Aberdeen. In due course he will be the one to draw big crowds.”
Sutherland had been slated to compete on Kynoch’s Trump Turnberry card in March, before Covid-19 forced shows to be cancelled. He was also lined up for Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom in May then another summer outing, with the aim of pushing him closer to major title contention.
Lockdown has worked against some boxers, particularly older ones who may see their title window closing the longer shows are not able to be put on.
Sutherland, however, is only 21 and is unbeaten in his first 10 fights.
His last bout came in February with a points victory over Basi Razaq at Paisley.
Kynoch said: “Lockdown has not been terribly bad for him. He’s mixed up his training camp and is now adjusting to working with Davie McAllister.
“I’ve got some boxers in their mid-to-late 30s where the clock is ticking. I had boxers who were meant to debut on the Turnberry show and were ready to go.
“That’s pretty much six months elapsed with nothing and who knows when they’re going to fight.”