FOR the benefit of commuters travelling to and from Wishaw station in recent weeks, the boxer standing on Platform 1 was Mitch Prince.
Prince, who will challenge Willie Limond for the Glaswegian's Commonwealth light-welterweight title at Bellahouston Sports Centre tomorrow night, has not become a trainspotter, but the South Africa-born 29-year-old from Cumbernauld is a rail enthusiast of sorts, none the less.
The challenger's trainer, Jim Love, has incorporated the station routine into Prince's training programme to help build his stamina for what could be a demanding 12-round contest.
"Jim devised a 45-minute training circuit at the station, part of which involves sprinting up and down the stairs," said Prince. "There are various disciplines, but the stairs are the toughest part as there are least 60 of them. Jim puts me on the stopwatch and the pleasing aspect is that I have improved my time with each session. It's hard going and you can feel the muscles in the backs of your legs screaming out for mercy.
"But it's what I needed to sort myself out in readiness for the latter rounds if the fight goes the distance. I won't have a problem stamina-wise because I know my legs will carry me in what they call the championship rounds. I've surprised myself at the level of fitness I've achieved because I'm in better shape than I thought possible and, never having experienced this before, it's a good feeling."
A crucial part of Prince's preparations have involved 12-round sparring sessions to condition him for a long night. "I know for sure that I'm ready for what promises to be the toughest fight of my career against a very good boxer," he said. "I have sparred something like 200 rounds since the fight was announced at the start of May and I've had a variety of sparring partners. Mick Roberts, John Simpson, Barry Craig and Barry Morrison have all sparred with me.
"Barry Morrison, in particular, has been a big help because he knows Willie inside out and he has given me pointers. I'm not thinking beyond Friday night, but I will say that I am looking forward to my first defence of the title. That will give you some idea of how confident I am."
*Tickets priced £50 ringside and £40 unreserved for the seven-fight bill are available by calling 0141 810 5700.
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