Champions are back as professional boxing returns to Ayr Town Hall

Sep 9 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE first professional boxing show in Ayr for 60 years has been called off.

It is a bitter disappointment to fight fans and to Ayrshire’s former champions Paul Weir, Ian McLeod and Evan Armstrong, who were all set to attend.

The card, promoted by Prospect Boxing, was set for Ayr Town Hall on Saturday evening.

But it has been shelved after top of the bill fighter Paul Allison was involved in a car crash on the way to training.

And there was more bad luck when another of the boxers suffered an eye injury in training and was rated doubtful.

Promoter Paul Graham revealed: “I am pleased to say that Paul is OK but has been advised to rest with no physical activity for a few weeks, thus ruling him out of the show.

“The main reason that I went to Ayrshire was to reward Paul’s fans with a home show as he is a very good ticket seller.

“A lot of time and preparation went into bringing this show to Ayr. This was the first professional show in the town for 60 years and I was looking forward to giving the boxing fans and the locals a good show.

“We will look to reschedule this later in year and make up for the disappointment.”

Allison, 21, scored five wins in as many outings since turning pro with Prospect Boxing management and promotional company in November last year.

He boxed over 50 amateur contests but his aggressive crowd pleasing style was never conducive to the computer point scoring amateur system.

Nonetheless, he won the Western District title and represented the district in Jersey. Paul beat former ABA champion Trevor Crew in his own backyard.

As the first boxer from Stranraer for 30 years, he sold out every club show himself.

Also due on the bill was lightweight Giuseppe Daprato from Newton Stewart who was to fight Latvian warhorse, Pavel Senkovs.

Three other contests were to feature up and coming pro boxers including Chris Stainless Steel from Coltness and KO specialist, Ryan Scott from Wishaw.

Michael McGlaughlin from Belfast was to take on Motherwell’s Mark Bett.