Billy Stuart wants to seize a Scottish belt as the next step towards putting himself in contention for bigger titles.
The Macduff super-bantamweight will take on Gary Ducie at the Beach Ballroom on Saturday night with the Scottish title on the line.
Stuart has eyes on the bigger picture as he tries to enhance his chances in the British title picture but first has to take care of Ducie on home soil.
“It’ll get me up the rankings and that’s what I’m using it for,” said Stuart. “But I’m not looking past it.
“Once I win this then we can look into what’s next but I’ll get this out the way with first.
“It’ll get me back on track after the loss for the youth world title and get me pushing on for bigger titles.”
‘I feel I’m the better athlete’
Glasgow-born Ducie has an unbeaten 4-0 record but all those victories have come on points, with only four outings in the last three years.
“I know bits and bobs about him but personally I feel I’m the better athlete and better in every department,” he said.
“But hats off to him, he’s coming to fight, that’s what I want. It’ll bring out the best in me.
“I’m not too bothered about what he’s going to bring. I’ll concentrate on myself and go and do what I can do.
“What I can is better than what he can do so hopefully everything will go to plan on Saturday.”
‘I’m never one to cut corners’
Stuart will be on the same bill as Aberdeen’s Dean Sutherland, who will fight for a Commonwealth title against Louis Greene.
“Preparation has been perfect,” added Stuart. “Every camp I have is usually 100 per cent – no injuries, nothing. I’m fully focused on the goal that is to win the Scottish title.
“I’m never one to cut corners and I’m ready to go. If you get an injury during camp you can get a bit annoyed but if it goes smoothly you know in your head you’ve done everything you need to do.”
Stuart took part in an open workout in Aberdeen on Wednesday night alongside Sutherland and Granite City debutant Gregor McPherson.
The trio went through their routines at Granite City Boxing Club and Stuart is pleased to have reliable stablemates close at hand.
“We push each other and give each other motivation to train,” he added. “If you’re doing it by yourself it can be hard.
“You’ve got talent coming through and we bounce off each other.”
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