Boxing Info: Worldly Stewart Prepared For British Title Opportunity

Dave Stewart will take a world of experience into his challenge for the vacant British lightweight title on the Hennessy Sports Twenty Four event at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday night. The 30-year-old, who takes on training partner and friend Lee Meager, has competed and trained all over the globe as an amateur boxer after catching the travel bug in his early 20’s.

“A friend offered me a job in Hong Kong in 1997,” explained Stewart. “It was the year of the hand over, so there were plenty of opportunities. I didn’t know what to do at first as I was Scottish ABA champion at the time and I didn’t want to jeopardise my career, so I sought advice from my trainer Tony Burns.

“He had become my mentor since I moved down from Ayr for the opportunity to train at Repton Amateur Club so I listened to what he had to say. He said it was a great chance that needn’t hamper my boxing, so I went out there. It was great advice.”

On arrival for his nine-month stint as a labourer on the airport in the former British colony, Stewart immediately sought out a new place to train. His path led him to the gym of the Chairman of the Hong Kong Boxing Commission, Alex Tsui-Gakit.

“He was quite a character,” Stewart, who has recently been in training camp in Tenerife, recalls. “I believe he is still a major figure on the kick-boxing scene there. He lined me up two fights in China and one in Hong Kong. I also had a fight in Australia.” When pushed, he admits: “I won them all.”

Stewart returned home for a well-deserved rest for the last few months of 97, but he was back on a plane in early 98.

“By this stage I had developed a real fascination for the Far East,” he continued. “So I based myself out of Thailand for a while and did some travelling around the region, including to Malaysia and the Philippines.

“I kept training the whole time. I found gyms everywhere I went. In the Philippines I trained at the Gabriel “Flash’ Elorde Gym, (named after the country’s long standing two-weight world champion). Although Muay Thai, (a form of kickboxing), is very popular in the region, there were always people I could learn from.”

Next on the agenda for the undefeated Stewart, who holds a win over former British and Commonwealth champion Bobby Vanzie, was a short journey South.

“I had been to Australia and liked it, so decided to spend a decent amount of time there from 1999. I trained with Jeff Fenech and Johnny Lewis before settling with Terry Lewis and considered turning pro out there.

“But I decided to start getting serious back in Britain as there are not as many fighters in Australia and I was reading in Boxing News every week about all the exciting developments back home.”

Initially, Stewart settled in Glasgow where he made a winning debut in February 2001. He decided to relocate to London, however, to pursue opportunities and linked up with respected Wanstead based trainer Tony Sims.

“Tony was recommended by Tony Burns,” added Stewart. “It was more great advice. Linking up with Tony is the best move I ever made. He has developed all of my raw talent and experience and always has me in fantastic shape.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

“TWENTY-FOUR’ also features the clash for the British light welterweight title between Lenny Daws and Nigel Wright. For the latest bill please visit www.HennessySports.com. For tickets please call 0870 060 1796.