Aberdeen boxer Gregor McPherson has no qualms about turning professional at 18 as he looks to mark his debut bout with victory.
McPherson signed a pro deal with Kynoch Boxing and will make his first steps in the senior ranks on Saturday night at the Beach Ballroom in his home city.
The teenager will be on the undercard of this weekend’s show, as fellow north-east fighters Billy Stuart and Dean Sutherland fight for Scottish and Commonwealth titles respectively.
It will be a big moment for McPherson but one he feels he is ready to handle.
“I’m sick of waiting – I just want to get in the ring,” he said. “All this hard work, determination, sweat; I just want it to come now.
“Any boxer that says he’s not nervous is lying. Everyone that goes into a fight has nerves, you just need to control them.
“All my dieting is spot on, I went down to Abertay University for strength and conditioning testing and they say I’m looking really sharp. Everything is in place now.
“A lot of people were asking questions about why I was turning pro at 18 but I struggled to get fights in the amateurs.
“I had won three Scottish titles, so I felt it was a good time to change. Plus, sparring with some pros, they thought the same. Get in the pro game, the earlier the better.
“If you’re good enough then what’s stopping you?”
Making his debut in his home city adds a special feeling to the occasion for the former Dons youth footballer.
“I’m really glad I have got my debut in Aberdeen, in front of all my fans,” said McPherson. “I’m really grateful for that.
“I felt really sharp in the ring during week and I’m ready for it. Sometimes when you’re not feeling sharp, you get in the ring and do a few rounds with the pads and you’re back at it.”
McPherson trains with his father Tom, who put him through his paces at an open workout at Granite City Boxing Club on Wednesday night.
“A lot of people have been asking if it’s a good idea to have my dad there but I wouldn’t change it,” he said. “He keeps me grounded and always shows up for me.”
“Aberdeen wasn’t really known for its fighting scene before. Now with me, Billy and Dean, it’s starting to become something.
“Having these boys just round the corner for sparring, a bit of bag work, is really good.”
McPherson has had the best possible preparation for the fight, having trained out in Spain with two-weight world champion Kiko Martinez.
The two built up a rapport and it is something McPherson is keen to continue going forward.
“I’ve been twice now and we’ve got a good relationship,” he added. “Because he’s a similar weight and always coming forward, it’s hard but these are the rounds I need to progress.
“We’ve already spoken about me going over two or three times a year and there’s lots of different pros to spar with.”
