A Scottish boxer says it is tempting to flip skilled after his Commonwealth Games success, but is probably to stay an novice because he goals of competing at the Olympics.
Sonny Kerr won a bronze medal in the 70kg division at last month’s video games in Glasgow.
Advertisement
The 21-year-old Aberdonian acknowledged the lure of switching to paid ranks, but said the potential of competing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles appeared to be stronger.
He advised BBC Scotland: “I don’t want to peak at this, I want to keep really levelling up now.”
He added: “There is a temptation to go professional of course if certain things align, but I am the only Scottish boxer on the GB Olympic programme.
“So the LA cycle is something I would like to keep on for and attempt and qualify for because that is once in a lifetime stuff actually – to be an Olympian.”
As part of the GB Academy squad, the light-middleweight boxer spends a lot of his time training in Sheffield.
Advertisement
Being part of that set up is one thing, eventually being picked to represent Team GB at the Olympic games is another.
Kerr certainly has plenty of potential and being a three time Four Nations Elite champion, at three different weights, is proof of that.
He said: “I have just saved plugging away and now hopefully I can reap the rewards.
“It is a hard programme to get on to, only the best get on.”
Kerr said he had “big boots” to observe with Josh Taylor, Anthony Joshua and Luke Campbell among the large names he hoped to emulate.
Sonny Kerr in motion for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2026 [Getty Images]
While annoyed not to have completed greater up the podium in Glasgow, Kerr said what he discovered would maintain him in good stead as he continued his boxing journey.
Advertisement
“That was probably the biggest stage I have been on,” he said.
“I have boxed in big tournaments before but it being in Scotland, with the crowd, all the eyes are on you boxing. I thought I was quite composed, I didn’t let it affect me.”
Kerr added: “It gives me a lot of confidence, but it also lets you know the hard work is paying off.
“Because there have been a lot of years, a lot of fights that have not gone my method in the previous and when you do begin to get a little bit of luck, and issues go your method, you know it is for a cause so that gives you a confidence in itself.”
Advertisement
More boxing from the BBC
Source hyperlink
