'Assassin' McAllister going to the Doc by Tom Walker Aug 1st 2007

One of the worst kept secrets in boxing north of the border was the opponent for Lee McAllister in his 'world' title fight scheduled for the 6th of October in his home town of Aberdeen's Beach Ballroom. Speculation had been on a Scottish Boxing forum as long ago as two weeks that it was to be another Scot, Craig Docherty who would box for the WBU title. This has now been confirmed as the case. Before critics of this match have their say, it is worth noting that this is indeed a big step up for the “Assassin”, Docherty has a similar record to McAllister with a 24 fight slate with 20 wins (nine inside the distance) three losses and a solitary draw. However, Docherty has fought at a much higher level than the Aberdonian and has held the Commonwealth title, fought for both a European and British belt with opponents such as Alex Arthur (lost rsf 9) now WBO interim world champion, Russian Boris Sinitsin (lost a split decision) who went the full distance with Arthur before losing the European title and Kpakpo Allotey (won rsf 5), the Ghanaian having been the full distance with Willie Limond for the Commonwealth title in the Kelvin Hall only last November. These sorts of opponent for the Glaswegian indicate that McAllister will have to treat Docherty with the utmost respect, despite the relative inactivity of Docherty in the last year or so. The Morrison stable will have their man fit and raring to go in what may well be a last hurrah for him. With the additional costs of sanctioning fees and the limited seating in the venue, the tickets will have to be priced to cover the costs. However, the promoter would do well to ensure that the three bouts proposed for the under card are of a calibre to match the top of the bill. After all if you go to an expensive restaurant you expect all the courses to be top class and not just the main course! Food for thought if you'll forgive the analogy! There's no doubt that should the “Assassin” win this title, the promoter will assure himself of future packed houses in the Granite City and the phrase "speculate to accumulate” springs to mind.

Go back Comment on this article | Send to a friend | Print

There are no comments. Click here to be the first who comment on this article.