BARRHEAD boxer Gary Rae has the potential to fight at British and possibly European level according to his coach Mark Breslin.

Rae has turned professional and signed with St Andrew’s Sporting Club, with his first pro fight pencilled in for November.

Breslin, who runs Barrhead Amateur Boxing Club and will continue to coach Rae through the pro ranks, admits he is excited by his charge’s prospects in the professional game.

He is convinced Rae’s style and heavy punching will suit professional boxing. Breslin thinks that a Scottish title is realistic within 18 months and all being well Rae can step up to British level after that.

He said: “He’s peaked at the amateurs so professional is the next step for him. I think his style will suit professional boxing.

“He was only coming into his game in the third round of amateur fights. Amateurs fights are really quick and explosive, so he was only really getting into his stride as the fights were coming to an end.

“Gary is a very strong fighter for his weight, he punches heavier than a lot of heavyweights which will serve him well.

“We’re looking at 18 months and hopefully we’ll be fighting for titles at that point.

“We’ll need to arrange some high quality sparring. He’ll need maybe eight or nine fights undefeated, then he’ll be looking at a Scottish title fight.

“He’s certainly got the potential to fight for a British title and possibly a European.”

Breslin, a former pro boxer himself with a record of 15 wins out of 15 in his career which spanned from 1994-1998, revealed that he has turned down several chances to train fighters professionally.

However when Rae wanted him to continue their work together as he made the step up, Breslin was never going to let the fighter down.

Rae was somewhat of a latecomer to the sport, starting at Barrhead ABC five years ago when he 23, and Breslin is looking to maintain his focus on the amateur ranks to bring through more fighters from the area.

He said: “I’ve been asked to coach professional fighters numerous times and I’ve always turned it down. I know what it is like and I’d prefer to stick to the amateurs.

“But I wouldn’t let Gary down. The only reason I’m doing it is for Gary. I’ve had more offers on top of that but I’m not interested.”