Scottish boxing legend Ricky Burns helps hitman Calvin McCord prepare for title showdown

May 2024 · 4 minute read

Kincaidston hitman Calvin McCord has this week revealed how he’s recruited one of the best in the business to help him reach the pinnacle of Scottish boxing.

McCord, 26, is enjoying regular boxing masterclasses from none other than Ricky Burns as his preparation steps up for a big headline show next month.

Boxing fans will know all about Burns, as he’s one of only three British boxers to have won world titles in three weight divisions – and the first from Scotland to do so. Burns previously held the WBO super-featherweight title from 2010 to 2011, the WBO lightweight title from 2012 to 2014 and the WBA light-welterweight title from 2016 to 2017.

With such a superb career record, Burns is widely regarded as one of the best boxers this country has ever produced.

Now McCord hopes to tap into Burns’ vast experience and is sparring with the former world champ on a regular basis in Motherwell. Former Belmont Academy pupil McCord said: “Ricky Burns has been there, seen it and done it. There’s not many three-time world champions from Britain and he’s been great.

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“He helps you where you can, shows you where you are going wrong and the good thing is he wants to help all us fighters. I’ve been sparring with him since last year. He’s a great guy to work with, brilliant. Hopefully we can get Ricky down to Doon Valley and we can maybe arrange some sparring sessions with him there, too.”

McCord is hard in training and preparing to headline a show at the 5,200 seat capacity Braehead Arena on Saturday, August 26.

Billed as the ‘Battle of Braehead,’ McCord will face Digari Mahesh, of Bangalore, India, as he aims to stretch his winning pro-record to 14. And there’s an extra incentive for both boxers on the night, the Commonwealth Silver lightweight title is up for grabs. Mahesh will go into next month’s contest with a record of nine wins, three defeats and one draw to his name.

But McCord and his team and at the Doon Valley Fitness Gym, in Dalmellington, will certainly not underestimate the 27 year-old on the night.

McCord said: “All that I know is that he’s won nine times, has three defeats and a draw.

“My coaches have been doing all the analysis and I’m sure he’ll come to fight, so I just need to concentrate on what I do on the night. This is where my focus lies. If I turn up and do what I need to, then I’ll be confident I can win.”

McCord also revealed that if he does win the contest and bag the belt – then the plan is to make the first defence of his title somewhere in Ayr, his home town.

McCord said: “This one’s for the Commonwealth Silver title and it’s going to take place at Braehead Arena. To stage it there will be unbelievable. If I can win this, then I want my first defence back in Ayr. That’s the plan. We want to put on a show.”

Also set to appear on the bill at Braehead Arena are Ben McGovern and Darren Johnstone, in a Scottish Super Middleweight title fight, Alfie Poole and Paul Deas, in a Scottish Welterweight title bout and Regan Glackin and Kyle Boyd in a Scottish Lightweight title fight.

McCord hopes to take a large Ayrshire contingent up to Braehead to cheer him on.

He said: “I’ve always had great support from Ayrshire and long may it continue. Hopefully they will make it noisy and create a great atmosphere and hopefully I can deliver something special for them.”

Tickets are from £45.

A spokesperson for the Doon Valley Fitness Gym said: “Promoter Sam Kynoch has delivered the fight he said he would for Calvin, so let’s see Ayrshire getting behind their own!

“Buses will be running from Ayr and Dalmellington. Contact Calvin or any of his family for tickets. Or people wanting tickets and a place on the bus from Dalmellington can contact Sam in the gym. Top support is needed for if and when he wins the title. The first defence will be in Ayr!"

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