GARY CORNISH, the Inverness-born heavyweight, was forced to wait for a full 15 minutes yesterday when the scales malfunctioned at the British Masters title weigh-in at the Highland city's Ironworks, which will be the venue for tonight's championship bout.
The 26-year-old – who would eventually scale 17st 3lb, nearly half a stone heavier than opponent Paul Butlin – may have to display even greater patience if he is to prevail and make history in the biggest contest to be staged in the Highlands.
No Scottish heavyweight has ever contested a British championship bout but Cornish, who stands 6ft 7in, is strongly fancied to extend his unblemished record to 15 victories against the Englishman tonight. At first glance Butlin's record of 14 wins and 18 losses suggests the home boxer should have few problems, although Laurie Redfern, Cornish's trainer, cautioned against treating the 37-year-old so dismissively.
"Gary needs to remain patient because Butlin is entering the last chance saloon, with nothing to lose," said Redfern. "People shouldn't just look at his record and dismiss him, because he's been in against some quality opponents and is durable. Butlin knows that he can open doors by defeating an unbeaten fighter and I've stressed to Gary the need for caution early in the fight. But he is in tremendous shape."
Tommy Gilmour, Cornish's manager, intends to take the Scot to the United States for a month should he win tonight, with the trip having offering the fighter the chance to further his boxing education through high-level sparring sessions.
"Even if he manages to look like a world champion against Butlin, the fact is Gary lacks experience through no fault of his own," said Gilmour. "If Gary wins he will be in a position where he could become involved in British title eliminators or a title fight so he needs to be ready."
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