A young boxer from Newarthill has made his professional debut with support from Advance Construction Scotland.
Martin Crossan made his debut at St Andrew’s Sporting Club’s Friday Fight Night in the Radisson Blu in Glasgow. The super lightweight defeated Georgiou Andreou in a fourth-round decision, with the win described as a major step forward for him in his quest to secure a British Championship title.
The 20-year-old, who works as a trainee engineer for Advance in Bellshill, has won two national amateur titles but made the move to the professional circuit after being scouted by Scottish boxing legend Willie Limond.
Martin said, “It was hard to keep boxing during the pandemic and then just as things were getting back to normal the gym I trained in burnt down. Willie had seen me fighting and suggested I spar in front of Iain Wilson of St Andrew’s Sporting Club. He seemed to like what he saw and asked me if I wanted to go pro.
“I had always dreamed of being a professional boxer and it was amazing being back in the ring, although there were a few sleepless nights before the fight.”
Martin fits his training round his job in the earthworks modelling department at Advance. He explained, “The team at Advance Construction have been so good to me paying for all the medical tests you need before turning professional. They have also allowed me to work flexible hours when I need to attend training events.
“I train every night and run most mornings so it can be hard work with a full-time job but I absolutely love boxing – it is just you and your opponent and there’s nobody to blame for the result but you.”
Martin comes from a sporting family. His older brother PJ Crossan was on Celtic’s books, while his younger brother is also a talented footballer.
David Wilson, business development director at Advance Construction, said, “We are very proud of Martin who applies the same dedication to his training as he does to his work with us. We wish him every success in his boxing career.”
