Boxer Easton faces an old foe first before title shot

Super-lightweight boxer Jason Easton is doing all he can to put aside thoughts of his upcoming Celtic title shot against Mitch Buckland at Meadowbank next month '“ because he has another opponent to overcome first.

Jason Easton

The former Craigmillar amateur announced earlier this week he is to face Cardiff’s Buckland on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s Commonwealth super-lightweight showdown with Dave Ryan at the Capital venue on Friday, October 21.

Easton, 25, has stormed to six victories, three of them knockouts under manager Billy Nelson and fully intends to make it seven by the time he contests his first title bout as a professional in just under seven weeks.

However, James Gorman is next in Easton’s sights at the Hillcroft Hotel in Whitburn on Friday, September 16, an opponent he has already taken care of when he won on points in Glasgow in March.

“I have been thinking about Meadowbank when I should be thinking about my next fight,” Easton said. “But I’m trying my best to concentrate on Gorman because I’ve fought him before and he’s no pushover. He will come and put up a good showing so I need to be ready and completely focused on what’s put in front of me first. The Buckland fight will take care of itself and I’ll be ready for it.

“I’ve been saying it for a while that I’ve wanted to step things up. I know I’ve only had six fights, seven by the time this one comes around, but I feel like I’m ready. I want to fight guys in the top 30 in the country and now I have that opportunity to showcase myself on a big event so I’m very happy.

“Buckland is 11-0 so he’s no mug. He’s pretty slick on the back foot, plants his feet and he wants to come and fight so I’m going to have my work cut out. But I’m confident and I’m going to take it. These opportunities don’t come around too often so I can’t wait for it.”

Meanwhile, recent British super-middleweight challenge belt winner John McCallum has signed a new three-year deal with manager and promoter Steve Goodwin. The 28-year-old has also declared his interest to Cyclone Promoter Barry McGuigan regarding the possibility of appearing on the Taylor bill.