Hibee Roach tells McEwan to top world

LEGENDARY American boxing coach Freddy Roach wore a Hibs top as he roared on Edinburgh's Craig McEwan to his latest victory Stateside and then told him he could win a world title.

Roach, voted trainer of the year by the Boxing Writers' Association of America in 2003, 2006 and 2007, believes McEwan has every reason to chase a world title after his impressive points win against Hilario Lopez over eight rounds in Los Angeles. McEwan, who recently became a father, floored Lopez in round one, but the former World Youth champion fought back to take the contest on points.

McEwan, who is unbeaten in the United States, said Lopez was the toughest opponent he had faced since coming to the US and Roach added: "Craig is making good progress and we now plan to step him up to fighting ten rounders real soon. But my long-term plan is to have Craig drop down to Junior Middleweight (11st 2lbs] to go for a world title as I think Craig will be stronger at that weight."

Meanwhile, the withdrawal of the Scottish team from next month's World Amateur Youth championships in Mexico has caused disappointment for Leith Victoria fighter Sandy Forsyth who was in the team.