BBC title fight is huge opportunity for Coatbridge boxer Mark McKeown

Coatbridge boxer Mark McKeown can’t think of a better scenario for his first title win than beating a rival in his own backyard – and intends to do just that later this month.

The 28-year-old takes on Port Talbot’s Joshua John for the vacant British Boxing Board of Control Celtic featherweight title at the LC Swansea on Saturday, May 28, which will be screened live on BBC Wales.

McKeown will take a loyal band of supporters down to Wales from the North Lanarkshire town, but says it’s a bonus that it will be televised, for those who can’t be there in person.

Both fighters have similar records, with McKeown unbeaten in six, while John has won all four of his bouts.

But ‘Sparky’ fully expects to return to Scotland with the belt.

He said: “I’ve got a Celtic title shot, and it’s live on BBC Wales, so everybody who can’t make it down will be able to tune in.

“This is a massive opportunity for me.

“This is the ideal way I would have liked to have gone about getting my first title, going down to the guy’s home town and hopefully coming back with the win.

“It will be a great experience.

“I don’t know much about him, but he’s unbeaten in four fights.

“I’m always confident of doing the business, and it’s the same mentality, going into this fight.

“It’s a winning mentality.”

McKeown and his team at Keir Hardie Boxing Club in Newarthill were already in training for another bout that fell through, so will more than be ready for this one.

Mark added: “We were already preparing for a fight round about that time, so it hasn’t really been a shock to the system.

“All the training has been in place, and it’s going to be ideal.

“There are a good few people going, but it’s a big ask for people to go all the way down to Swansea – I didn’t