Cambuslang boxer Jordan Spence reckons he can do anything in the sport – after learning to walk again.
The 20-year-old was a promising young talent at the age of 11 when he had two operations to repair slipped hips.
It took him four years to make his way back to competition and after winning three Scottish flyweight titles on the bounce between 2016-18, Jordan has now been chosen for an international training camp with Boxing Scotland.
The Covid-19 sporting shutdown means it is not yet known when he will get the opportunity to train with the squad and he said: “I’m really excited to go abroad, but it’s annoying I don’t know when that will be.
“It will be later on in the year, but we need to wait for this Covid-19 to blow over before we know where it will be.
“I don’t get much luck in boxing, so it’s good to get some this time, being in the squad.
“A couple of years ago my hips had slipped out and I had to get two operations to be able to walk again.
“The cartilage in my bones had slipped and it needed pinned back in place.
“After that I was on crutches for six weeks at a time and having to rehabilitate myself to use all my muscles again.
”It was tough. The doctors said it happens to only six per cent of people – so I happened to be one of the lucky ones!
“It took me about three years to get back and a year to train so I could box again.
“Before it I was a good boxer and it’s annoying because when I got back I was doing things my mind knew I could do before, but my body wouldn’t let me.
“I’ve learned how to walk again, so I look at things like I can do anything now.”
The former Cathkin High School pupil is now determined to enjoy the experience when it comes along and thanked his coaches at O’Neil’s Amateur Boxing Club for their support.
Jordan said: “I just want to go and see how this goes. If they want me to box for the elite squad that would be great, if not, we’ll see what path this takes me down.
“I appreciate the help my coaches have given me. They’ve stuck by me all the way and been willing to work with me and help me better myself.”
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