Moray boxers Andrew Smart and Fraser Wilkinson continue 100 per cent records at 'Thriller in the Chiller' at Inverness Ice Rink
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TWO Moray boxers continued their 100 per cent records at the ‘Thriller in the Chiller’ fight night in Inverness on Saturday.
Andrew Smart went 6-0 with a points victory over Paul Deas, while Fraser Wilkinson went 5-0 with a win over Latvian fighter Kristaps Zulgis.
Smart’s bout was the semi-final of a Last Man Standing tournament – with four undefeated boxers going up against each other.
The winner is set to be handed a Scottish title fight, although it's not yet sure what weight that will be at. The other semi-final will take place between Kyle Boyd and Robbie Graham at Paisley Lagoon on October 1.
A date for the final – due to take place locally – yet to be confirmed.
“It was a brilliant show and a great atmosphere,” said Smart.
“I knew Paul’s background and style and the fight went how I thought. I don’t think referee’s scorecard was right, though, as he only had me winning by one point.
"I should have been five clear. But it’s still a win.
"I'll be going down to watch the other semi-final. It's a good position to be in. One of my potential opponents was in the crowd watching me on Saturday, but he might not be in the final.
"I know I'm going to be fighting the winner when I go. I don't know much about either, but it doesn't matter who is in the opposite corner."
Fraser Wilkinson had to fight two weights up after opponent Paddy Pollock pulled out at the last minute. But he didn’t let that get to him.
“It was pretty routine,” he said. “I had to be wary moving up two weights and it was mentally challenging changing opponent last minute.
"It was going to be my first eight rounder but I had to redirect focus. That's why we took the heavier opponent – someone who had a decent amount of KO wins on his record.
"His punches were a lot heavier than I'm used to but I won every round."
Wilkinson is in line for a title fight – but thinks he will have at least one more bout before that, probably later this year.
He was grateful for the support he received at Saturday's event.
"I had another bus through from Elgin," he said. "There were people up from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
"It wasn't my best following but it was really good. I’m privileged to have a following as good as I do.
Both boxers were delighted to have Paul ‘Ratch’ Gordon in their corner for their bouts.
Wilkinson said: "Ratch is a big motivation for me. I live and breathe boxing and I was just enjoying everything before the fight.
"He told me to switch on before and if I didn't have him there I probably wouldn't have. That's the leadership I've been missing."
Smart added: "It was a boost. It was just what I needed, he told me exactly what to do – and for the most part I listened!"
