Boxing: McMillan ‘gutted’ as he fails to seize his big chance

Edinburgh boxer Gary McMillan lost his British title eliminator clash to Liam Smith by a unanimous decision at the Liverpool Olympia.

The Capital light middleweight was unable to get to grips with his opponent over the ten rounds, and coach Terry McCormack, who was ringside with the 25-year-old, admitted his fighter didn’t do himself any justice in a bout he had declared the “biggest of his career”.

McCormack said after Friday night’s bout: “The guy (Liam Smith) shaded the rounds and Gary just didn’t get his shots together. The boy won it fair and square and Gary just couldn’t get into the fight at all. It was a bit messy at times with a southpaw against an orthodox where they were clashing heads. He’s gutted with his performance as he knows it was a big opportunity for him to move onto the next level. It may take a couple of years for him to get this chance again.”

McCormack found it difficult to pinpoint the reasons behind McMillan’s poor showing but remains hopeful he can find the inner strength to recover with McMillan next due to fight in the Capital Festival Fight Night on December 8 at Meadowbank.

McCormack added: “He wishes he’d worked harder in the rounds as he never really put enough effort into each round. I expected a much better performance from him. He was looking tremendous leading up to the fight but sometimes when you get in there the pressure of the whole occasion can unsettle you.”