Gary was close to quitting
Published 11 Nov 2011 09:30
CLYDEBANK fighter Gary McArthur takes to the ring for the first time in a year on Monday as he prepares to take on Birmingham's Sid Razak.
But the lightweight admitted he was close to stepping away from the sport for ever.
The 29-year-old, who picked up an injury in 2010, revealed he had lost his love of boxing and after getting engaged and finding out he is going to be a dad, his gloves were almost hung up for the last time.
However, working with trainer Barry Winters re-ignited the Clydebank Blitz's passion and it was not long until McArthur was back and training as hard as ever.
Ahead of Monday's fight against Razak at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow, McArthur revealed: "It has been a very tough time for me after being out for so long.
"I had more or less decided it was all over for me after my injury and I was ready to move onto a new challenge.
"I didn't plan to step back into the ring, especially after my engagement and news that I will be a dad.
"It was more important for me to be working in a job and ensuring my family were financially secure for the future.
"However, I was going down to the training centre to help Barry and it was from there a spark lit inside me and the passion and desire flooded back.
"From never wanting to go back into a ring, I am now training two times a day and I am hungry to win and do well again, I am back in love with the game."
Looking ahead to the fight against Razak, McArthur admitted he did not know a lot about his opponent, but is ready to go toe-to-toe with the 5'7" fighter as he aims to kick-start his career.
He added: "I do not know a lot about my opponent, I have been focusing on my game and hope to be ready for what he has to throw at me.
"I will be nervous on the night, but I am working hard and hopefully the right result will help me get back on track with my career."
This article appeared in Clydebank Post 09 Nov 11
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