Published: Wednesday, 13th January, 2010 3:00pm

BLITZ: I'll drop the Attitude

BANKIE boxer Gary McArthur has admitted that training for his latest fight during the cold winter months has been extremely tough.

And the self-styled Clydebank Blitz has even compared his preparations to that of film hero Rocky Balboa, because he has been forced to go out running in the snow wearing heavy duty boots.

The 27-year-old will be back in the ring on January 29 for the first time in more than six months as part of the undercard for Lee McAllister's commonwealth title defence at Bellahouston Sports Centre.

Although confident, McArthur has no fears in taking on Londoner Ryan Barrett, who is currently rated at No.12 in the British

rankings, a massive 11 places above the Drumry fighter.

He told Sport Scene: "This is the fight I need to stand me in good stead to get

back up there and fighting for a decent belt,

and possibly even a shot at the Commonwealth.

"I'm chief support to this fight, so I'm not top of the bill, which I never like, but I will be there again.

"This will give me the opportunity to fight a guy who is rated just outside the top 10 in Britain, but you know me, I will still be full of confidence.

"I'm looking at this as an opportunity to prove myself again on the TV stage and get myself noticed.

"To become the best you have to take on the best and if you want to be great you have to take on great things."

He added: "I've been out training almost every day throughout the Christmas and New Year.

"Running in the snow is not the best, but you just have to get on with it.

"I suppose I felt a bit like Rocky when he was training in Russia because I had the rig boots on and was running all the way up the Boulevard."

His opponent Barrett, who is known to his army of fans as Mr Attitude, has won 17 of his 24 professional fights since turning pro in 2002 and has even taken on world light-welterweight champion Amir Khan.

Also involved on the big fight night are three other boxers from the area who will all be looking to further enhance their professional reputations.

Whiteinch brawler Jamie McLevy, 24, will hope to continue his impressive undefeated record from his five professional fights to date, and Clydebank's Vinnie Baldassara will also take to the ring.

David Savage, from Scotstoun, is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the boxing world and takes a 9-0 winning record into the upcoming show at Bellahouston.