Young East Kilbride boxer lands first title win in Scottish Championship success

A East Kilbride youngster is celebrating after landing a Scottish boxing title at Ravenscraig last month, which he hopes can be his first step on the road to a professional career.

Twelve-year-old Austin Newall, who boxes out of Priestfield BC in Blantyre, claimed the 48kg Scottish Championship after winning two fights at the event over October 21-22.

Austin, a St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School pupil, knocked down his semi-final opponent Alfie Barr (Beath BC) in the first 10 seconds of their bout to secure his shot at the title.

In the final, Insch Amateur Boxing Club’s Clayton Dey stood between Austin and victory, but it was the EK youngster who reigned supreme as he was declared champion.

Now Austin hopes this can be the catalyst for more success and, ultimately, a shot at going professional in the future.

Austin said: “I was pleased with how I performed. I’m really happy to win.

“My final was really close and the semi-final was really good. It felt amazing to win it and I was really chuffed doing it with my family there.

“I’d love to become a professional boxer. My dad has just told me to keep working hard.

“I’m going to try and get as many amateur fights as I can now and go to the Western District Championships early next year. That’s the next thing I’ll be training for.”

Proud dad Matthew, a former amateur boxer himself, is delighted to see his son take the title after revealing Austin had just missed out on glory at last year’s championships.

He said: “Austin fought for the first time there last year and got to the final, where he lost on a split decision.

“I thought he should have won the fight, because he definitely landed more punches, but he got the nod this time so I’m delighted for him.

“He’s had five