boxing

Ally Black (23), from Kirkintilloch, enjoyed a commanding win over Yossef Al Hamidi in Wishaw recently.

The former Syrian National Champion was last floored by ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed two decades ago and has since fought a series of big names, including champs Ricky Burns, Nicky Cook and Lee Selby.

But Ally knocked him for six in the second round.

The delighted fighter said: “I won every round and knocked him down in the second. After that he was on the back foot.

“It was a big step up for me and I thought he’d land more punches.

“I was really happy with the fight, as were my trainer Paul Weir and my manager Alex Morrison - who I’d like to thank for all their help, as well as my sponsors Homes Book and Nuthouse Barbers.

“Paul said I’d have to hit him hard straight away and I did exactly that.”

Now Ally is looking to make it a fantastic four wins with his next fight - which he says should be in the next two or three months.

And, after being invited to former champion Ricky Burns’ recent unsuccessful WBO lightweight title defence, he hopes to fight on the undercard of his friend’s comeback fight - expected in the summer.

Meanwhile, he hopes one very special fan will continue to be ringside.

He explained: “There’s a guy called James who Deafblind Scotland introduced me to.

“He’s one of their clients and I sort him out for tickets to my fights - his support worker tells him what’s happening by touching his hand and he seems to bring me luck!”