Ayrshire’s Rising Stars
Sonny Gow
Gill Sherry
Ayrshire Magazine loves nothing more than a local success story, particularly when it shines a spotlight on a young rising star.
In this issue, we talk to Sonny Gow, the 18-year-old boxer who has high hopes for a future competing at the very top level of the sport, after becoming hooked (sorry!) as a child.
When were you first introduced to boxing?
When I was about five years old. I got picked up from school by my friend’s dad. He took me, my brother and two of my friends to Doon Valley Boxing Club in Dalmellington to give it a try.
And you still train at the same club?
Aye, every day from Monday to Friday. Each session is about two hours.
What do you enjoy the most about boxing?
How close we all are. It’s like a wee family. The boxers, the coaches and trainers… everyone helps each other out.
Would you like to give a shout-out to your trainers?
Aye, Sam Mullen and David McAnally.
What weight category do you fight in?
Lightweight division. When I was younger, my first fight was at 28.5kilos. I was very light! Now I’m 61kilos.
Presumably diet is really important?
Aye, I have my own nutritionist. They write out a meal plan and I just follow it. It’s important to fuel your muscles and fuel your training sessions.
And you’ve just turned professional, is that right?
I fought as an amateur for about seven or eight years, but I’ve just turned professional. My first fight as a professional is on 13th November.
Great! Tell me more about that.
It’s a showcase event at Trump Turnberry. I don’t know who I’m fighting yet.
You must be excited, though?
I’m looking forward to getting in the ring and showing everyone the work I’ve been doing for years.
What about boxing heroes? Who do you aspire to?
Canelo Alvarez and Julio César Chávez, two Mexican boxers.
Other than the obvious physical advantages, what would you say are the benefits of boxing?
When you’re training, you don’t think of anything else bar the training. You switch off completely and forget about everything else other than your session. And it’s great for discipline as well. It helps in all walks of life.
Any successes you’d like to shout about?
I’ve represented Scotland twice and I won the Scottish National title.
What are your ambitions? How far would you like to go?
I want to go as far as I can. There are no limits. As long as I put the work in, I can go anywhere.
Sonny Gow certainly has the desire and the dedication to make it in this ultra-competitive sport, and Ayrshire Magazine wishes him all the best in his boxing endeavours. He does, however, acknowledge that the support of others is just as important as his own determination. Specific thanks, therefore, go to the numerous sponsors who are making his journey possible and keeping his dream alive:
Ayrshire Refrigeration, Gibson Carbon Scaffolding, Golf-X, Gorilla Jet Wash, IGD Sport, Ingram Motoring Group, K Todd Handcrafted, Kraigland Properties, Lanarkshire Vehicle Repairs, RC Coachworks, Streamline Taxis, STREETrave, Taylor Manning, and The Sporting Club Scotland.
