Beattie wins boxing Champions League

The amateur boxer from Slamannan lifted the coveted trophy with a win overLouie Greene in Alexandra Palace.

“It was by far the biggest arena I’ve ever fought in,” he told The Falkirk Herald.

“There were four rings on the go and it was the biggest event I’ve been involved in by a long way, I’m delighted with the result and using it as a springboard for my future.”

Beattie (23) plans to turn professional next year after another year in the amateur ranks.

He boxes out of Golden Gloves gym having moved there as an 18-year-old from Grangemouth-based Zetland ABC.

“He’s come on leaps and bounds,” said one of his coaches, Francie Connor. “Jim Healy is his main coach and was down with him at the competition.

“He was a credit to the gym and we’re delighted for him.

“To put it into context this is amateur boxing’s Champions League. The best of the boxers from around Europe come to London for it and it is the most presitigious you can get. The likes of Anthony Joshua have fought in it in the past.”

Beattie won his quarter final on Friday and then struck it lucky on Saturday. His anticipated opponent was held back by doctors after suistaining a fight, so Beattie had Saturday off.

“It was a chance to put my feet up and study my potential opponents in the final and it definitely helped. My coach and I started going over tactics immediately and it paid off.”

Beattie, a joiner with his father’s firm, won on a split decision. The light welterweight win made up for disappointment in the Scottish championships when he was defeated on a split decision with a point deducted in the final by the referee.

“I’m heading to LA for a month training in the WildCard gym where Manny Pacquaio’s coach Freddy Roach is based.

“I hope that’ll give me preparation for the next year with a better result in the Scottish and then hopefully going pro.”

Another of the Kilsyth gym’s fighters Derek Skinner was beaten at the quarter final stage.