Scott Allan's life seems to operate on one of those one-year rolling contracts more commonly issued to football managers. In theory his plans seem tied to a finite timescale. In reality everything remains open-ended.

In a conversation this time last year to preview his forthcoming WBC International silver super-flyweight contest against Marcel Braithwaite, the self-styled Title Taker announced the end was nigh for him as a competitive boxer. “Twelve to 18 months maximum,” he vowed ahead of a closely-fought bout in Liverpool that he lost only on points.

Walking away, however, has not proved easy. The 30 year-old may have his hands full with the three gyms that he now owns and runs throughout Lanarkshire as well as a growing young family. There is little doubt he is also increasingly scunnered with the commitment and sacrifices required to keep operating as a professional at the highest levels. But there is also something about boxing that keeps pulling him back in for more.

It is difficult to shake a sensation of deja-vu when Allan again solemnly declares that “this time next year I won’t be boxing”. And can wife Kerrie get that in writing? A pause then a laugh, perhaps recognition that he has made these bold statements before but never followed through on it.  

A lot will depend on how this evening goes. The St Andrew’s Sporting Club fighter is no stranger to hyperbole but when he describes the chance to compete for a British title as the realisation of a lifelong dream then there’s every chance he means it. Allan is a hardy, tough-as-teak competitor who brought the best out of Kash Farooq (twice) and Lee McGregor in three compelling contests earlier in his career.

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The former Scottish champion has moved back up to bantamweight to compete for two of the belts – British and Commonwealth – vacated by McGregor last year. He will not be favoured by many to defeat Sean McGoldrick (12-1) in the Welshman’s home arena in Cardiff but Allan has never been encumbered by self-doubt. He has never been more convinced that his moment of glory is imminent.

“Absolutely outstanding is perhaps the only way I can describe how I’m feeling about this fight,” he says with typical enthusiasm. “There’s been no stone left unturned; my sparring, my pads, my conditioning and my sprints. Every box has been ticked and I’m feeling incredible.

“I thought my bantamweight days were behind me but opportunity came knocking. My goal has always been to become the British champion and now it’s going to happen. Adding the Commonwealth belt is just a Brucie bonus.

“McGoldrick’s got a decent record but who’s he fought? He took on Thomas Essomba but lost. He’s made championship level once and got beat. So this is very winnable for me. And I’m going to grab the opportunity with both hands.

“I’ve only got 12 months left in this sport. This time next year I won’t be fighting. I want to go out on my own terms. Nobody is going to dictate to me when it’s over.”

There is barely enough time in the day for Allan to fit everything in. Not content with operating Rivals gyms in Wishaw and East Kilbride he and brother Sam have just opened a third in Airdrie, where, on top of running them, the pair also take martial arts classes. Allan, a diehard Motherwell supporter, also had two young daughters, Sophia and Amelia, to help take care of. And that’s all before his own boxing training that needs squeezed in, too.

“I’m absolutely flat out,” he concedes. “But I love it, man. We’ve got the new gym now in Airdrie so it’s been really busy. I’ve got an amazing team behind me who all work really well so we’ve hit it off there as that’s been a massive help.

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“I do three days each in East Kilbride and Wishaw and do daytimes in the other one. I’m still doing the instructing as well. That’s my favourite part about it actually. It’s great to give something back to the community in so many ways beyond just taking a martial arts class. It’s the life skills you’re teaching these young adults or kids. The art of giving is such a wonderful gift.

“I’m a big family man too. I love my girls and my wife. But I’m so selfish when it comes to boxing. It’s a sport that I hate to love. I’m in love with it but I hate it at the same time. It’s so time-consuming that it takes over your whole life. But I need to find that quality time with my family.”

Should Allan win tonight could he then retire a happy man? “Well, I’d have to defend the belts at least once first…"