Two-time Commonwealth Games medallist Reece McFadden will return to the scene of some of his most famous amateur successes when he makes his professional bow.

The 23-year-old from Belshill is ready to kick off one of Scotland’s most hotly-anticipated careers on the MTK Global card at Emirates Arena on November 30 and hopes to do so in style.

McFadden, who won a staggering 150 of 165 amateur bouts – including a victory over elite Welsh talent Andrew Selby – said: “This is a great stage on a great night.

“I’ve boxed in this arena before as an amateur and the atmosphere and the support is amazing so I can’t wait to be back in there for my professional debut.

“I won two of my senior elite Scottish titles in there so it’s a happy hunting ground. I just can’t wait for the first bell to go so I can get stuck right in.

“This is another great night for Scottish boxing, which is on absolute fire at the moment and is only going to go from strength to strength now. I’m glad to be a part of it.

“I don’t feel under any pressure whatsoever – I just know I’m going to go out there and put on a show. There are some other great fights after that, too. I’m particularly looking forward to Kash Farooq vs. Iain Butcher.”

McFadden debuts on a card that sees Farooq and Butcher clash for the British bantamweight title, Kieran Smith vs. Peter McDonagh for the WBC International Silver super-welterweight crown and the likes of David Brophy, Michael McGurk, Jack Turner and more star on the undercard.

Tyrone McKenna has warned Scot Lewis Benson there is no possible route to a home victory in the pair’s hotly-anticipated showdown in Glasgow on November 30 – live on BoxNation.

Belfast’s McKenna (16-1-1-KO6) travels to Emirates Arena to take on ‘Kid Caramel’ (10-1-KO2) and many feel the best chance of victory for ‘The Mighty Celt’ lies in forcing an all-out war with his host.

Although never one to shy away from exchanges, McKenna has dismissed question marks over his ability to outbox Benson.

McKenna said: “There is no way he’s better technically than me. He moves more but that doesn’t mean he’s better technically. His movement isn’t even effective – it’s just standard running around the ring and any boxer can do that.

“I believe I’m better in every department. A lot of people doubt my technical ability and think I’m just a brawler but that’s not true. If you watch me against Renald Garrido, I was boxing on the back foot, showing my technical ability.

“I went around the world as an amateur because I’m a good technical boxer so I dismiss all claims to the contrary.

“I hold every advantage over him. I’m taller, faster, stronger, fitter and I have more heart. I have a better engine. I can not see me losing. Sometimes you have doubts in camp but I wholeheartedly believe I’m better than him at absolutely everything.

“Of course he’s going to try and avoid all exchanges. He’s said that he’s going to box and move in numerous interviews but I don’t think he realises how relentless I am and how difficult it is to hit me clean. Fighting me is more difficult than it looks.

“You saw what I’m like against Jack Catterall. You saw the levels I can go to. I don’t believe Benson is ready for that kind of relentless fight because I don’t believe he has the heart for it. Not many do.”

Kyle Redfearn, Chad Ellis and Jay Hughes are set to shine on MTK Newcastle’s maiden boxing show at Gateshead’s Hilton Hotel on December 13, which has already sold out.

 

Redfearn (7-1-KO5), Ellis (5-0) and Hughes (6-0) are all from the surrounding area and will enjoy some vocal support as they look to close out the year in style.

Super-middleweight Redfearn, who is hoping to bounce back after his sole defeat to Germany’s highly-rated Nick Hannig, said: “I’m really excited to be handed an opportunity like this.

“I’m determined to get back to winning ways and set up a big 2019. I plan to fight guys ranked in the top 20 in the UK soon in order to put myself in a position to fight for titles.”

Unbeaten super-welterweight Ellis said: “It’s great to be fighting on the same card as Kyle and Jay. We’re a team and we all graft hard together, pushing each other on.

“I’ve had a great year and I can’t wait to round it off and set up big things for 2019. I want to be straight back out there pushing for titles and climbing the ladder at welterweight.”

Lightweight Hughes, who is also protecting an unbeaten record, added: “It’s a great show and I can’t wait to show my skills to the fans and followers of MTK Global.

“I’ve got such a great team around me – especially my team-mates in Kyle, Chad and Darren Reay. We all have the same mentality of getting in there with anyone and giving it our best shot.”

The card also boasts Sunderland welterweight Darren Surtees (10-0-KO7), who has already picked up the BBBofC Northern Area title and is tipped for big things.