Kevin Duris can’t wait to make his professional boxing debut at the first open-air show since Mike Tyson fought at Hampden in 2000.
The blockbuster event at Hamilton Accies’ stadium will take place almost 21 years to the day that Tyson defeated Lou Savarese at Scotland’s national stadium.
Duris will step into the ring as a professional on Saturday, July 31 in front of a huge hometown crowd in Hamilton.
Like many boxers, Durie has waited patiently during an uncertain time as his career has stalled but the 33-year-old can’t wait to get going.
He said: “I was supposed to fight last year but it was cancelled due to the pandemic so it’s been a long wait.
“I was ready to fight at the Crowne Plaza last March and I got all the weight off but it just didn’t materialise.
“There was talk about it going ahead last September but it just couldn’t due to Covid. It’s been frustrating but I’m ready to go now.
“It’s going to be a special night because it’s the first open-air event since Tyson at Hampden.
“The break has set me back a year or two in my pro career. I was hoping that I’d have four pro fights under my belt just now and I was targeting a British title fight.
At 33 years-old, Duris is relatively old to be making his professional debut but he insists that he feels in the best condition of his life.
He added: “I still feel really good. I honestly feel like I’m still 18 because I keep myself really fit and constantly ticking over.
“I don’t drink or abuse myself so I’m in great condition and I’m raring to go. If you maintain a good lifestyle and keep yourself fit then you can easily fight into your 40’s.”
The event at New Douglas Park is organised by boxing promoter Sam Kynoch and Duris will fight another of the boxers signed to Kynoch Boxing, Gary McGuire.
The 27-year-old has lost 17 of his 18 professional fights and Duris wants to put on a show for supporters during the four-round bout.
Duris added: “He’s had 18 pro bouts so he is an experienced fighter. He’s lost more fights than he’s won so I want to win in style - I want to get a knockout.
“My style of fighting is very aggressive. I don’t box pretty, I really go for my opponents and my fitness is a huge asset.
“I always unleash power shots. I think I’m third on the card and it’s going to be a fantastic show with some top fighters.
“It’s going to be a massive show because it’s been so long since there has been a boxing night in Scotland.
“The tickets are flying out the door, all my friends and family will be there and I honestly just can’t wait.”
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. Any enquires should be made to promoter Sam Kynoch: sam@kynoch-boxing.com
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