IT WAS a case of now or never for Scott Thorpe.
The 38-year-old took an interest in boxing after sponsoring former British champion Josh Wale.
He initially took it up for fitness before getting the ‘boxing bug’ for real.
Now it’s going to get serious as he walks through the ropes tomorrow for his first amateur contest at the Metrodome.
The age limit to box as an amateur is 40 so the clock has been ticking for the Rotherham man.
But he has put in the hard work to get fit at the Wale family gym in Brampton.
Scott said: “After seeing Micky (Josh’s dad and head coach at the gym), Josh and the team giving up their free time to help kids, I wanted to help in any way I could.
“I want to help give back to the local community, but little did I know how hard it was going to be.
“It’s been a great adventure. I have been doing nine sessions a week and I am two stone in weight down.
“It’s actually changed my life for the better. I am not just fitter and stronger but more mentally strong. For anyone who is wanting to get in shape mentally – this definitely does it,
“The hardest bit is getting punched, there’s no easy way out, and I have full admiration for anyone stepping into the ring from ten-year-old right up to the professionals.”
Scott is donating his ticket sales money and sponsorship fees to the club on Knollbeck Avenue.
He won’t be the only one making his bow on the night. Josh’s own son Mikey, ten, will be taking part in a skills contest.
