DRUMCHAPEL boxer Jamie McGuire secured a victory in his first professional bout and insists his sights are set on becoming a world champion in the future.

The 25-year-old defeated Yorkshire fighter Brad Botham on a points decision 39-37 at the Park Hotel in Kilmarnock on Saturday, September 20.

While he appreciates he has a long way to go to realise his dream, McGuire has no problem setting himself such an ambitious target.

He told SportScene: “I want to win as many fights as possible but obviously the ultimate goal would be to win a world title. I’d like to win a Scottish and a British title first though.” The Drum fighter has taken inspiration from the Scottish medal haul at Glasgow 2014 which included gold medals for Charlie Flynn and Josh Taylor. He said: “I know a few of the boys that competed in Glasgow, it’s definitely nice to see Scottish fighters doing well, success breeds success.” In what was an important fight for the boxer, one which took a long time to prepare for, he was pleased with how he handled the occasion, adding: “My performance was good, it was a big build up and a big night for me but I felt I dealt with it well. It was great to win for my support because they have been unreal.” McGuire didn’t take long to recover from the bout, getting straight back into training.

He said: “I recovered well, I was back in training on the Monday so I only really had Sunday off. I would rather it was like that, I don’t see the point in taking two or three weeks off training.” His dedication to the sport and his training regime are clear, but despite that McGuire admits to a very occasional lapse in his strict diet.

He said:”That’s the hardest part, I eat healthy seven-days-a-week. In saying that I like a wee cake now and again, as long as my coach doesn’t find out it’s ok.”