An Ayrshire boxer is one punch away from achieving a lifelong dream.
Kieran McMaster bagged a spot in Boxing Scotland’s Elite final after an impressive semi-final win.
The Kilmarnock fighter has dreamt about winning this coveted gong since he was just 10.
And next up is the final against Newarthill’s Dylan Arbuckle on Saturday, April 9.
The former Grange Academy pupil told JATV Raw: “That meant the world to me, I’ve been boxing for 15 years, that was my 106th fight and it’s the first time I’ve made it to the finals of the Elite.
“When you start boxing it’s to get fights like these, this is what I’ve trained for all of my life.”
He added: “If I am being perfectly honest I don’t want to box for Scotland again.
“I done it for years and it’s tough, competing against some of the top European boxers, I wasn’t quite at that level.
“I have got a good job, a happy life, I like fighting for Northwest.
“I want to win the Scottish Elite, that’s been my goal since I was 10, and who knows maybe I will then go on and box for Scotland again.
“It’s not in my plans, I want this Elite gold, that’s my aim.”
McMaster is also a sports mentor for East Ayrshire Council, and he loves how rewarding his job can be.
He said: “I am Monday to Friday with East Ayrshire Council, I go into schools and other places in East Ayrshire to deliver boxing sessions to everyone, whether it’s large groups or vulnerable kids.
“A big part of that is because I am an athlete, I am able to go and say to these people, ‘look at me, I am doing this, I am from Kilmarnock’.
“I am no different to any of these kids I am working with, I am helping bring these people in from the bottom.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
