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Box-off for final games place 

HBOS

Thursday 13 June 2002

Tonight, boxers Kevin Anderson (Methil) and Barry Morrison (Motherwell) in the light-welterweight division face one of the biggest challenges of their careers to date, as they meet in the ring at Fauldhouse, West Lothian in a box-off, which will decide the final place on the boxing team for this year's Commonwealth Games. The winner will join seven others who have already been selected for the Bank of Scotland Scottish Team by the Executive of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland following nominations from Amateur Boxing Scotland Ltd.

Scotland has a distinguished record in amateur boxing in the Commonwealth Games having won 13 gold, 15 silver and 26 bronze medals to date. The 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur saw Alex Arthur take gold in the featherweight, whilst Colin McNeil took a bronze in the welterweight division.

"This is a very exciting event..."

Polish born head coach, Adam Kusior has brought a renewed vigour to the squad since he arrived in Scotland last year, and he is quietly confident that this is a strong team capable of producing some good performances. Kusior has placed a particular focus on honing the boxer's modern ring skills, designed to match the criteria of computerised scoring and he is optimistic that this will pay dividends in Manchester.

Leading the line-up will be Colin McNeil who is hoping to repeat his medal winning form of four years ago and this time he has his sights set on gold. Colin is a true lover of the Commonwealth stage, and whatever the outcome we are assured of a proud, passionate performance. All the remaining team members are 'rookies' to the Commonwealth Games and will undoubtedly benefit from Colin's experience.

Amongst the other top Scots who will be keen to demonstrate their prowess in the ring are Edinburgh's Craig McEwan, renown for his slick counterpunching skills, Fifer, Steve McGuire in the middleweight and the determined Ian Millarvie in the super heavyweight division.

Commenting, Team Manger Donald Campbell said: "Our preparations and selection process have been rigorous and tonight's box-off has certainly provided an exciting climax. It is a tough environment for the boxers involved, but to be successful at the highest level means being able to perform under pressure."

Tonight Manchester beckons and the winner takes all.

George Mitchell, Treasurer & Managing Director of Bank of Scotland, said: "This is a very exciting event which will ultimately decide the final addition to the Bank of Scotland Scottish boxing team. We wish both contenders the very best and would welcome either of these outstanding athletes to the team.

"The boxers will be spend the next few weeks training getting ready for Manchester 2002 - assisted by the Bank's sponsorship, which goes directly towards team preparation. We wish the boxing team every success and look forward to watching them retain their long-standing reputation as winners."

All team selections are subject to final ratification by the full Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland on 24 June.

Team List

Weight - Name, Born, Lives, Club

60kg - Mark Hastie, Motherwell, Motherwell, Forgewood
67kg - Colin McNeil, Lanark, Fauldhouse, Fauldhouse
71kg - Craig McEwan, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Clovenstone
75kg - Steven McGuire, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Glenrothes
81kg - Lee Ramsay, St Andrews, Ladybank, Kingdom
91kg - Andrew Young, Inverness, Inverness, Inverness
+91kg - Ian Millarvie, Hamilton, Hamilton, Glasgow Phoenix

63.5kg weight to be decided at tonight's box-off between
Kevin Anderson, Kirkcaldy, Methil, Denbeath
and
Barry Morrison, Bellshill, Motherwell, Forgewood

  • The Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland (CGCS) is responsible for selecting and preparing the team representing Scotland at the Games and is financed through sponsorship and fundraising activities, and grant support from sportscotland.
  • The total cost of preparing and taking a team to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 is around £450,000.
  • A copy of the overall team and individual sport selection policy is available from the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland.
  • The Scottish Team won 3 gold, 2 silver and 7 bronze medals at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Boxing won 1 gold - Alex Arthur (featherweight) and 1 bronze medal - Colin McNeil (welterweight).
  • Scotland has competed in every Games since the first British Empire Games in 1930 winning a total of 270 medals (65 gold, 79 silver, 126 bronze).
  • 16 sports are taking part in Manchester: Athletics; Badminton; Bowls; Boxing; Cycling; Gymnastics; Hockey (women's); Judo; Rugby 7s; Shooting; Squash; Swimming; Table Tennis; Triathlon; Weightlifting; and Wrestling.
  • The 2002 Commonwealth Games are being held in Manchester 25 July - 4 August.
  • In December 2000 Bank of Scotland announced its second time sponsorship of the Bank of Scotland Scottish Team for the Commonwealth Games. The Bank's sponsorship specifically funds coaching and preparation for the team to help improve our athletes' medal chances.
  • Bank of Scotland is the largest commercial sponsor of youth sport in Scotland and this year over 20,000 young people will take part in youth development projects supported by Bank of Scotland.
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