Debutant watch - Hugh McIlroy

Hugh McIlroy will be making his pro debut on the 3rd September on a Sweeney Promotions card in Paisley, Scotland.

Hugh is no stranger to the sport as his elder brother George has been a professional boxer for eight years.

Seeing Ricky Burns’ world title reign must have a positive effect on young fighters coming up through the ranks in Scotland and Hugh certainly looks at Ricky’s career for some inspiration as he makes the jump into the pro game.

“It’s good to see a boy coming out of Scotland and winning a world title, it makes you want to have that kind of success too.”  

Trained by his dad out of Paisley Boxing Club, the 21 year-old from Stevenston will be fighting in the light-welterweight division.

What made you want to start boxing?

I used to play football when I was around 12 years old and at the time my brother was doing the boxing and he kept coming home with trophies and medals for winning district titles. One day I said to my dad, “I want a shot at that.” I went in the ring once and my dad said I was naturally gifted at it so I decided boxing was the one for me.

Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?

My idol to this day is still Sugar Ray Leonard; people just don’t beat Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns easily. I think he is the best fighter to have ever worn a pair of gloves along with Muhammad Ali obviously.

Did you do much amateur boxing?

I fought in the juniors and won the Western District title and I had 13 fights in total winning 11.  

How do you know the time is right to turn pro?

I was going to turn pro when I was 18 but my dad told me he thought I was a bit young and to take my time. I fought amateur for a while and then took a wee bit of time out, I think the time I took away from the sport was good because now I feel a lot more mature and ready for it. When I was fighting some of the top amateurs in Scotland and I was getting the better of them it was becoming easy for me, which told me it’s time to move on into the pro game. I was also sparring with some professionals like my brother; if you're doing ok sparring against the pros then I think you're ready for it.

Do you see a difference in the pro and amateur codes?

Yes, so different, it’s like night and day. Amateur boxing is like 100mph and I don’t think you get to see the best of a fighter in those three short rounds.

Do you work full-time alongside boxing?

I’m studying a personal fitness course at college trying to get some good qualifications and when I’m not at college I’m in the gym. It keeps me busy but boxing is not a hobby for me, boxing is my life now.

What sort of fighting style do you have?

I would say I'm a very aggressive fighter; I’m not one for bouncing about on my toes at all. I like to mix it up on the inside, I can also box when I need to. Not every fight will be the same so you have to adapt your style to each fight and if you can do that it shows the mark of a good fighter.

What ambitions/expectations do you have for your pro career?

I’m not under any illusions here, I want to go as far as I can. I know it’s a really hard sport but I am in this game for nothing less than a world title. Only time will tell, you’ve got to work your way up the ladder and see what happens. My brother gives me a lot of support and the experience he has gained his fights so far he passes down to me.