Champs' split decision over Scottish title contenders

12 November 2009

By BRIAN DONALD

THE vacant Scottish welterweight title clash between Edinburgh duo Gary McMillan (Lochend) and Gary Young (Gilmerton) on Sunday will see Glasgow's Pavilion noised up as the two camps of the boxer's followers hopefully cheer their man to victory.

However, two Edinburgh former world champions – WBO super-featherweight Alex Arthur and WBO International middleweight Willie Quinn – are split as to whose arm will be raised in victory after ten rounds or fewer this weekend.

Quinn has been assisting former two-time world champion Paul Weir in preparing Young for the scrap and has also been sparring with the Gilmerton boxer.

Quinn said: "Gary has surprised me by the power of his punching, which I think will be a big factor during this fight.

"I've seen little evidence of him being a bit rusty after his long lay-off from the ring and appears hungry for victory.

"Many people are writing him off against the younger McMillan but I still believe that he has at least a better than even chance of becoming the new champion.''

In contrast, Arthur, who has been sparring a lot with McMillan in the Lochend gym, disagreed and said: "I've sparred with both boxers in the past and, while I have the utmost respect for Young, I honestly think that McMillan's harder punching power will be decisive – but it won't be easy.''

Southpaw McMillan added: "While I don't want to burden myself by making precise predictions about the outcome, I believe that I have a good chance of stopping Young inside the distance, although I'd be perfectly happy to win on points.

"I will win because this is truly a crossroads fight for me. The win will put me up among the big boys fighting in a British title eliminator in 2010. If I lose, I go back to fighting down the bill in six-rounders, so I know the score.''

Young was equally adamant that he will be crowned the latest Scottish 10st 7lb champion on Sunday saying: "I don't regard myself an underdog in any way, shape or form.

"I am more experienced than Gary McMillan and having sparred with him loads of rounds, his southpaw style won't bother me, so I am convinced that I'll be wearing that title belt."