Lewis Benson: Scots boxers overlooked because of nationality

Undefeated Lewis Benson believes some of the country's most promising boxers are overlooked by promoters because of their nationality.

Lewis Benson says English fighters get unfair exposure

The 24-year-old, who fights at light welterweight, is targeting his fourth consecutive win in the paid ranks at Meadowbank tonight – MGM team-mates John Thain, Stephen Tiffney, Tommy Philbin, Brian Forsyth and Thomas DIckson also lining up on the Rise of the Champions bill.

But, the 2014 Commonwealth Games star, who faces Bulgaria’s Radoslav Mitev tonight, says the exposure afforded to boxers south of the border is far superior than their Scottish counterparts.

“I need to be seen, it’s as simple as that,” Benson explained. “I believe if I was English I’d be on Sky and would be signed with one of the top promoters but I’m not because I’m Scottish. I’ll get there eventually and when I get my chance I’m going to take it. I know a lot of the boxers who I’m on all these shows with think the exact same.

“I think it’s starting to change, though, with Alex Morrison’s next show going to be shown live on STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh. It’s the direction we need to be going in. We all want to put Scottish boxing back on the map and bring the big fight nights home. Obviously the likes of Josh [Taylor], Charlie Flynn and Joe Ham are doing their best to raise the profile of the sport but we all want to attract the TV channels as well.

“I’ve only been pro since last June and had my first fight in September so I can see a lot of things changing for Scottish boxing if we’re given the chance. MGM are definitely trying to make that happen.”

Benson knows Mitev poses his toughest test to date, an opponent who defeated newly-crowned Scottish Area super lightweight champion Eddie Doyle in June 2014. However, he is confident of getting the job done inside four rounds.

“He holds a good win over Doyle and that’s a title I could certainly win,” he said. “It’s a step up in class but I’ve watched him, I know what he’s about and I believe I’m going to knock him out. I’ve had a great camp in the build up to this fight, the best so far, so I know I can get the job done early. I’ve never been felt so conditioned and mentally strong in my life.

“I’ve got a big few months coming up with three fights in quick succession. I’m going to get myself to six wins and then hopefully fight for the Scottish title. I’m ready to fight and beat anyone now. I could fight Jason Easton but, at this stage of our careers, it would be better to face each other down the line when we both have 15 or 16 wins so it’s got the potential to be a lot bigger. We’ll see what happens but big times are ahead.”