There was never any doubt that Steven McAllister would step into a boxing ring.

His three older brothers - David (28), Lee (25) and Matthew (19) - have all boxed at a high level and Lee - “The Aberdeen Assassin” who featured in the July edition of “The Winning Zine” -  is the current WBU lightweight champion.

Having won 26 out of 27 fights, he has a British title fight against John Murray at the G-Mex in Manchester on November 29.

Steven’s dad David also boxed and is currently coaching and his uncle James McAllister won a silver medal at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

He is one of six boxers in the Scotland squad for India and he is hoping that it can lead to competing in Glasgow in 2014.

“I’ve wanted to box since I was about eight and I suppose it was always going to be the sport I chose given my dad and my brothers,” the 17 year-old states.

“I wasn’t really interested in any other sports like football and I just wanted to follow my brothers into the ring.

“There’s no rivalry between us and we all get on great. It’s helpful that my three brothers have all been over the course before me and can give me advice.

“They show me how to move and how to protect my face and how to look after myself in the ring.

“Lee has been an inspiration for me as he has gone all the way in the sport and it shows me what can be achieved if I stick in.

“I’ve been to a lot of his fights and it would be great if he could have a title fight in Aberdeen but I can’t see that happening.

“So far, I’ve had 36 fights in Britain and lost only four. I’ve also won a gold medal at an international competition in Finland a couple of years ago and then I lost in the quarter-finals of an event in Croatia on points.”

A member of Granite City Amateur Boxing Club - founded by his father ten years ago and now with around 30 regular boxers - Steven has won six Scottish titles and is keen to go all the way in his sport.

His next aim is to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

“I’m hoping to fight for Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and my ambition is also to go to an Olympic Games and then, if all turns out well, I’d like to turn professional.”

Brother David is certainly hopeful that the Scotland boxing squad has the potential to do well in India and then kick on from there.

“It is a good squad. Some of the boxers will have ambitions to go to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in a couple of years time,” he says.

“It may be a bit early for Steven and a more realistic target may be Glasgow in 2014 but you never know. He has only been beaten four times in over 30 fights and has the potential.”

RM
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