Elgin boxer to headline professional fight night in his home town
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MORAY is set to host what could be the area’s first-ever professional boxing show – with a local talent at the top of the bill.
Friday, September 20 will be the biggest night of Elgin boxer Andrew Smart’s career when he headlines a pro fight night at Elgin Town Hall.
The up-and-coming lightweight has won his first two professional bouts over four rounds, and at his own request will step up to six rounds for the first time to entertain a home crowd which will be rooting for him to win.
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“There will be a lot of pressure on me but that’s what I live for,” said the 25-year-old, who works at Elgin’s Sheriffmill garage.
“This is business, and I’ll be looking to go out and make a statement.”
Smart is a product of the successful Elgin Amateur Boxing Club, who he captained and still trains with.
He made the decision to turn professional and join the Northern Sporting Club in Aberdeen, run by brothers David and Matthew McAllister.
The club took him to America to spar at the gyms of legends like Floyd Mayweayther and Manny Pacquiao, and have now given him his big chance to impress on a home stage.
“It was always the goal from the start to turn pro,” he said. “I’ve boxed in Elgin as an amateur countless times but since I’ve turned pro I never thought it would be possible to get a pro show in Elgin. This will be my best fight yet.”
Smart’s opponent is yet to be confirmed but is certain to be a step up in class for the Moray man.
It is top of the bill on a five-fight card, with four of Smart’s team-mates also confirmed to box in Elgin.
Macduff brothers Billy and Callum Stuart will bring a following from Banffshire, and Dingwall fighter Ben Bartlett and Irishman Dylan McDonagh are in action.
Two fights, two victories – Andrew Smart could not have hoped for a better start to his professional boxing career.
It all began in November when Smart defeated Simas Volosinas at Aberdeen’s Double Treetops hotel on a points decision after a three-round bout.
His second fight was due to take place on Valentine’s Day but was cancelled due to medical concerns.
“I was warmed up, gloved up and about to walk to the ring and the show was pulled,” he explained.
“The paramedics hadn’t shown up so they had to call it off.”
Second time round, the fight did take place on May 4 when Smart was put up against Glaswegian Jim McGuire.
“My first fight went really well but this one was even better. It was a more composed performance and I won clearly on points.”
Pro careers always begin with three-round bouts which are gradually built up over time.
Smart was due to fight in another Aberdeen show this month which was cancelled due to injuries sustained by other boxers on the bill.
As luck would have it, Smart’s club had been looking into the possibility of giving him a home show in Elgin next year, and a cancellation at Elgin Town Hall opened up a slot in late September which he gladly snapped up.
