Renton boxer Xander Savage train-ing hard in quest for Scottish glory

Renton boxer Xander Savage is taking training to a new level in his quest for glory.

As well as a gruelling schedule in the gym, the fighter is spending almost four hours a day travelling on Scotrail services to his Lanarkshire base – but says the effort is worth it, because he’s never felt better.

The 25-year-old, who doesn’t drive, maintained his unbeaten record since turning pro with victory against Naeem Ali in Glasgow earlier this month in his first six-round fight.

And he’s now determined to become the best in Scotland – meaning the hours spent on services between Renton and Rutherglen are all worthwhile.

Savage told the Lennox: “I travel up to Rutherglen every day of the week on the train. I’m hoping to get driving soon – once I’ve got a bit of time between training and the kids!

“It takes just under two hours there and two hours back. It’s a big commitment, but I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t love it.

“I’m really happy with how I fought earlier this month. It was my first six rounder and the boy I was fighting had plenty of experience.

“I felt I handled him pretty well.

“I was cautious with doing the six rounds for the first time, but after the first and second I was flying.

“By the time it came to the last round I had bags of energy. I did a bit of fancy footwork and a shuffle to just show off that I had loads of energy still in the bank.

“I need to commend my coach, Archie Durie, for that. He had me in great shape which has put me in good stead for the next one - which is an eight rounder.”

Savage will next be in action on October 27 against Andrew Smart, as part of the Last Man Standing Two competition – and he has his eyes firmly on the prize.

However to achieve his goal, Savage knows he’ll need to face a