![]() One day sparring southpaw, the next orthodox. We've good relationships around the world and we called our friends in Ukraine and fixed a camp. "We looked at world-rated non Commonwealth nations to go to in the build-up to here - Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Cuba, Russia. "Meghan has done some sparring with bigger and older boxers and she'll be ready. On past history, India in those smaller weights, are very good. "There are eight boxers in Megan's category and she's boxing an Indian and if she wins that bout then she's in the medals straight away," says Keane. There's extra excitement because for the first time ever, Scotland has two female boxers, the flyweight Vicky Glover and the light flyweight Megan Gordon. It's very exciting." 'All our team is 100% ready' ![]() He's been drawn against an Australian guy and they tell me that this Aussie is very powerful and that Sean wont have to go looking for him. "Sean Lazzerini, the light heavy, is a massive puncher and there's 13 in his weight. "We'll need to look for some footage now. "We don't know much about that lad, to be honest," admits Keane. Scott Forrest, the heavyweight, has got a Kenyan. Stephen Newns, the welterweight, is up against a Tongan. The middleweight, John Docherty, will face a fighter from Mauritius - "a top, top operator", according to Keane, who adds: "That's going to be a cracking bout." He fought in Glasgow four years ago and got beat, but performed really well and he's come on a lot."Ī few more stand out. "There's 12 boxers in his category and he's got a bye, so he's already through to the last eight," explains Keane. He'll be very, very difficult to beat."Īqeel Ahmed (49kg) is another whose prospects have been talked up. "He's a very accomplished boxer and we'll never underestimate anybody, but McFadden is a good boy. "You've seen Reece before and I don't need to tell you about his pedigree," he says. He doesn't want to commit, or maybe doesn't want to jinx it, but it's obvious that Keane thinks the world of McFadden and sees him as a serious prospect for 52kg gold in these Games after taking bronze in Glasgow. If he wins - and he'll be a roaring hot favourite - he's into the last eight. Reece McFadden is up against an opponent from Guyana in round one. The boxers are fit and strong and ready." Scotland's Reece McFadden was a bronze medallist at Glasgow 2014 ![]() "But, anyway, looking at the draw now, we're reasonably happy. Keane, from Kirkcaldy, has been in the game his whole life. Later, when the print-outs are delivered and the draw has finally become clear, Scotland's head coach, Mike Keane, surveys the landscape. "This is hopeless," says a third man as he makes for the exit. "But we can't see anything," say the coaches.Ĭoach after coach screws up his eyes in an attempt to make out make out the draw, but they can't. "We're not sure, but they have to stay on," says the top table. "Why can't the lights go off," says a chorus of voices. They need to go off, but for a reason known to nobody, they can't go off. "As you can see, here we have the opening fights for day one," says the master of ceremonies, pointing to the screen. There's a large projector in the left-hand corner of the room. These exciting minutes have been four years in the making.
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