Boxing: Surgery blow for Edinburgh boxer Cowan

UNBEATEN pro bantamweight Dave Cowan faces surgery after damaging his shoulder during a sparring session.

The former Sparta boxer will undergo an operation next month and is likely to be sidelined until March.

Cowan revealed: “Naturally, I’m gutted by this news but a specialist has told me that if I ever want to box again then I must have the surgery next month.

“My manager, Tommy Gilmour, has told me he was delighted by my progress up until now and that he has big future plans for me.”

This claim endorsed by Gilmour, who commented: “Our main priority is that Dave comes through his surgery successfully. I’ve told him that once he does, then I’ll get him plenty of bouts to get his career back on the road again.’’

Gilmour, meanwhile, will be staging the much-anticipated return bout between Edinburgh featherweight Gareth Stemp and Paul McIlhenny during a Poppy Scotland fund- raising night at the St Andrew’s Sporting club in Glasgow on November 14.

“Paul was controversially outpointed by Stemp at Scotstoun earlier this year and wants a return, so I think it will be an interesting fight,’’ said Gilmour.