Now he has decided on a five-year plan to make his own mark in the fight game as he gears up for his pro debut against Sheffield’s Qasim Hussain at Ayr Town Hall on Friday night.

At 28 the Saltire Boxing camp lightweight knows he has a tough mission ahead of him as he makes a late entry into the professional ranks but it is one he is relishing.

The landscape gardener from Barrhead cuts a dedicated figure in the gym, fiery eyes burning with intensity as he works.

And he reasoned: “Look, Box Nation is on constantly in my house and there is one fighter’s story that always sticks in my head.

“Stuey Hall was a party animal in Ibiza and didn’t turn pro until he was 28 and he became the IBF bantamweight world champion five years later.

“I look at guys like that as an inspiration because to be honest I don’t know what I would do without boxing in my life.” Rae’s life in the unpaid ranks saw him battle through 30 fights, losing just six and he built his reputation as a counter-puncher who didn’t take too many shots.

He believes that elusive quality is money in the bank when it comes to his campaign in the paid ranks which begins this season.

And he said: “Yes, I am 28 but I am smart enough as a boxer to hit on the counter so I don’t think I have a lot of miles on the clock.

“I have been told my style will suit the pros and I feel I can do it, I know how good I can be over the next five years.” Away from the ring Stevie has three kids who keep him busy as he mixes life as a landscape gardener with the dedication demanded of every fighter in the Saltire gym.

It’s a tough shift but he reflected: “I started late and boxing is not a hobby for me, it’s a lifestyle and it has taken over my life.

“My family have a price to pay for that but at least they see me eating well and sleeping at the right times and living my life correctly.

“The sacrifices are worth it when you are in the ring.

“I just want to be successful and see what I can achieve in that time.

“I train so hard, it’s like a second job I haven’t made any real money from yet.” Rae’s progress will be fascinating to watch this season. At 28 that five-year plan to make a mark will be cranked into action quickly.

He confessed: “I had built up a decent enough following as an amateur but I know I need to build that up as a pro.

“I have three kids in the house and they are my life when I don’t box.

“My old amateur coaches from Barrhead are behind me and a lot of people believe in me so I want to deliver for them.” * THERE are still tickets available for the big bill at Ayr Town Hall on Friday night, to get in on act to call Stevie Rae on 07710 226785.