GARY CORNISH, the undefeated Inverness heavyweight, is clearly being noticed, judging by the invitation he has received from the multi-titled world champion, Wladimir Kiltschko.
The younger of the Ukrainian brothers, who have dominated the weight division for the past decade, made the 25-year-old Scot an offer he, ultmately, had to refuse: the chance to spar with him in the build-up to the defence of his World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organisation and International Boxing Federation belts against the Pole, Mariusz Wach, on November 10 in Hamburg.
Kiltschko, 36, was keen to employ Cornish as his sparring partner at his training camp in Germany after learning that the 6ft 7ins Scot is just half an inch smaller than Wach and would therefore provide an ideal opponent.
But 'The Highlander', who has eight wins to his name, has been forced to turn down the offer, so that he can focus on his own fight preparations ahead of his bout with the Slovak David Vyletel in his home city on September 28.
Cornish said: "The experience would have been invaluable, so it's disappointing that I can't take him up on his offer, but it's too near my own fight and would have represented too great a risk. I've spoken with my manager, Tommy Gilmour, and he assures me that I will get the chance again in the future."
Gilmour said: "It's unfortunate, but the main thing for me is that it shows people are beginning to hear about Gary and that's important as I try to build him up to become Scotland's first heavyweight champion."
The Inverness show, which is being staged at the city's Ironworks, will also feature the former Commonwealth and the World Boxing Union lightweight champion, Willie Limond. The 33-year-old Glaswegian made a successful comeback against William Warburton last weekend after 10 months out of the ring following a crushing British title loss to Anthony Crolla.
He will face another tough Slovak, Ivan Godor, and Gilmour added: "This is a really important season for Willie now that he has moved up to light-welterweight. He believes he still has the desire to win another championship and a win over Godor will move him back into title contention."
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