JULY 4 is a traditional holiday of celebration for most people living in the United States – but it won't be for Capital boxer turned Los Angeles resident Craig McEwan.
The former Clovenstone amateur middleweight star, now based in the US, will instead face former Texas state supermiddleweight champion, Fernando Vera.
"While most Americans will be celebrating their Independence Day, I'll be in ring action havin
g the toughest test of my career so far," McEwan said.
Vera caused a major upset in his last fight by beating highly-rated Juan de la Rosa and, even more impressively, Vera beat world-rated Yory Boy Campas.
"I am well prepared for Vera as I've been sparring with former Ultimate Fighting Championship World heavyweight champion Andre Arlouski at Freddie Roach's gym in LA,'' McEwan added.
"This tough test against Vera will make up for the terrible disappointment I had recently at being pulled off the last Ricky Hatton bill in Manchester last month when my opponent withdrew,'' McEwan went on. "I still plan to make my British pro ring debut in the future and beating Fernando Vera will enhance my record prior to fighting over here again.''
Southpaw McEwan also praised the ongoing financial sponsorship of his uncle, Willie McEwan, who not only runs a successful painting and decorating business in the Capital but is involved with Hibernian FC.
"He not only keeps me posted in LA about how the Hibees are doing but he also now provides me with valuable sponsorship which helps me train full time as a pro boxer," explained Craig.
The full article contains 270 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.