Appleby offers a touch of eastern promise to take featherweight title
EVEN allowing for the exuberance of youth, Paul Appleby has to be one of the most confident young men in Scottish sport.
Next Friday in Glasgow's Kelvin Hall, Appleby will attempt to become the latest east coast boxer to put one over on a west of Scotland fighter when he challenges John Simpson for the British featherweight title.
"I will have too much for him," said Simpson. "I will use all my advantages. Nearly every time an Edinburgh man fights somebody from the west, the Edinburgh guy wins – Ken Buchanan beat Jim Watt, Alex Arthur beat Willie Limond and Craig Docherty. I will be the next."
Unbeaten Appleby is attempting to follow in the footsteps of some of the most illustrious names in Scottish boxing, and attempting to become the youngest Scot to take the British featherweight title after only 11 professional fights, eight of them won by stoppage.
"Most people think it's too early in my career, but I disagree," said Appleby. "I think I'm ready for it and I'm ranked high enough for it."
Greenock man Simpson, who first challenged for the title when he was only 21, undoubtedly has the edge in experience, having gone the 12 round championship distance four times.
After a decent amateur record, during which he earned his Scottish international vest, Appleby turned pro at 18. He has only reached the eighth round once in his career.
There is a contrast in physiques and styles – Simpson is a muscular, powerful-looking individual and he feels his strength and stamina will give him an edge over the taller, rangier challenger. Simpson is a pressure boxer who grinds down opponents, while Appleby can box or battle, though he would be well-advised not to do the latter against Simpson.
Appleby has gained some useful experience in the ring with a fellow title contender, Barry Morrison, another of Tommy Gilmour's proteges.
"I did ten rounds with Barry the other day and he is a light-welterweight," said Appleby. "I'm used to fighting bigger guys at lightweight and light-welterweight, so I'm not worried if Simpson says he will be stronger.
"He will be tough and in boxing, anybody can be stopped if you land with the correct punch – even me – but I think I can stop him."
The man from South Queensferry
made pundits really sit up and take notice when he dismantled the experienced Ben Odamattey of Ghana for a six-round stoppage last November.
"That was my best performance so far," said Appleby. "But I have improved since then."
John Simpson should have the experience and stamina to win. But if confidence alone wins fights, then Appleby already has the Lonsdale Belt round his waist.