Braveheart looking to bring big time boxing back to Glasgow by Imran Azam Feb 8th 2008

Barry Hughes has outlined ambitious plans to bring big time boxing back to Glasgow. Speaking at a media conference, the head of Braveheart Boxing, proudly announced not only the capture of Willie Limond but also a three-fight deal to stage three shows at Scotland's largest indoor arena. The-29-year old, flanked by Limond and trainer Billy Nelson, said: “For boxing to survive and prosper in Scotland it has to be taken away from hotels and small leisure centres to venues that will excite and motivate the fighters and fans. At Braveheart Promotions we are committed to promoting Scottish boxing on the best stage possible and the SECC provides just that.” Naseem Hamed was the last fighter to headline at the Scottish Exhibition Conference Centre (SECC) back in March 1996. That night a crowd of 8,000 were in attendance to witness the Prince make a first successful defence of his world featherweight title. Four years later Mike Tyson's contest with Lou Savarese attracted over 20,000 to Hampden Park – the home of Scottish football. Frank Warren was instrumental in bringing the former world heavyweight champion north of border alongside the likes of Naz, Steve Collins and Frank Bruno. However the Sports Network boss realised that for the sport to prosper it needed Scottish fighters to headlines shows in their own country. When Scott Harrison and Alex Arthur burst onto the scene Mr Warren hoped they would have the same impact in Scotland that Joe Calzaghe and Enzo Maccainelli were having in Wales. Over the last decade Cardiff has become the UK fight capital with Calzaghe's last two contests at the Millennium Stadium attracting an average of 40,000 fans. Despite their early promise, low crowds in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, forced Sports Network to take Harrison and Arthur on the road. Hughes, who was the first British boxer to simultaneously hold promotional and managerial licences, believes the former Commonwealth lightweight champion can play a vital role in rejuvenating the sport in Scotland. He added: “To sell tickets and fill venues you need flagship fighters. Willie is someone who falls into such a category. I would love to see him in the ring again with Amir Khan. He [Limond] caused him [Khan] more problems than anyone else to date. Had it not been for the dubious 14-second count Khan received, it would've been Willie's hands raised at the end of the contest. However if that doesn't happen then we would go for Jonathan Thaxton. What a fight that would be.” “All I want my fighters to do is train hard and leave the rest to me. I don't ask them to do anything that I haven't done myself. I have been inside the ring and tasted my own blood. I know what the boxers go through. That's why I have a special relationship and a connection with my fighters.” Braveheart's first show at the SECC takes place on March 29 when Limond challenges for the vacant IBO intercontinental lightweight title. The arena will be set for 2,500 and demand for tickets is expected to be high with the under card featuring the likes of Kenny Anderson, Jason Hastie and Kris Carslaw. The remaining two dates are August 30 and November 15. Limond who became a free agent after severing ties with Alex Morrison admitted linking up with Braveheart was an easy choice. He said: “I spoke to quite a few promoters, but Barry was the one that stood out from the crowd. Barry is very ambitious and has great plans for the future and I decided that I want to be part of them. I am only 29 and I have plenty to offer. I have never doubted my ability. My two biggest fights to date have been with Alex Arthur and Amir Khan but I was inactive leading up to them. With Barry I will be kept busy and that's the key to becoming a champion again.”

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