Inverness City boxer George Stewart has a similar natural ability to Commonwealth Games medalist Andrew Young.
That’s the view of the club’s head coach Laurie Redfern as the 19-year-old gets set to turn professional in the coming months.
Hot on the heels of Calum Turnbull announcing he’s stepping up from the amateurs, Stewart is the next in line to turn his attention to making a living from the sport.
Redfern, who has produced a string of national champions throughout the decades, doesn’t like comparing anyone to heavyweight Young, who returned from the 2002 Games with a bronze in the bag.
However, he feels that in terms of the skills and talent shown from a young age, Stewart, who is set to go at 60-kilos, is right up there ability-wise.
He said: “As a coach, in any sport, you’re looking for natural talent and George has been gifted from the start. He had his first contest when he was 11.
“In terms just of natural ability, out of all the boxers I have had, he’s the closest I’ve had to (2002 Commonwealth bronze medalist, heavyweight) Andrew Young. There are obviously totally different weights, but I mean in terms of natural ability.”
Fine margins in split decision defeats
Stewart, who comes from a boxing family, has demonstrated a willingness to bounce back from any defeats and that stands him in good stead for the challenges ahead.
Redfern added: “He’s now 19 and throughout that time he’s had more than 40 bouts.
“He’s lost 11 times, but eight of those were by split decisions, so it came down to fine margins. They were always good fights and I have never seen him outclassed. There’s not a mark on him, he’s come through the years well.
“I often argued split decisions when they went against him away from home. You’re never going to get a decision, but I always liked how he just accepted it, shrugged his shoulder and said ‘that’s the way it goes’.
“He’s popular with many ex-boxers as well, including professionals, especially the McAllisters in Aberdeen. They have always admired him for his entertainment.
“Not long ago, Dundee Boxing Club asked me if George could team up with them to box against England. He did that and he won, so they were delighted.
“In our last club show at the Ironworks in Inverness in May 2019, which is his favourite venue where he grew up within as a boxer, he beat the reigning Scottish champion at his weight, Billy Miller.
“(Manager) Stevie McGuire, who George is with, brought Billy up to Inverness and it was a terrific contest. Billy is turning pro as well and they will be sparring together as well, which is good.
“His older brothers won the Novice Championship and Intermediate titles. They have opted to concentrate on their trades at work, but George is decided to take the gamble now and go professional.”
Ironworks planned for debut bow
The Ironworks has been a brilliant base for the Inverness club over the year and Stewart has excelled in the gladiatorial arena.
If given the green light, Redfern will go for lining home a home pro debut at the Academy Street venue.
He said: “I would really like his professional debut to be in the Ironworks. That’s where it all started for him as a boy, so if he could make his debut there and have as many bouts as we can there that would be great, not just for George but for the Inverness public.”
One of the highlights in Stewart’s rise up the ladder came two years ago when he represented Scotland.
Redfern said: “Towards the end of 2019, he went to fight in Cyprus (in the International Box Cup) and, after winning his semi-final, he met a really strong Russian opponent who he beat 3-0, which was fantastic.”
