LOCHGELLY boxing star Emma McCulloch's Scotland debut ended in disappointment as she lost out at the GB Three Nations Championships.

The talented 25-year-old was in action at the annual competition in Cardiff at the weekend that pits the best amateur boxers from Scotland, England and Wales together but says the experience will help her development.

Emma, who is a member with Glenrothes Boxing Club, was picked by Scottish selectors to fight in the women's light flyweight 48kg category after winning her third successive Boxing Scotland Elite Championship title last month.

She defeated Lochend's Nasreen Anderson by unanimous decision but, speaking to Times Sport ahead of the trip to Wales, she admitted that it would be her "biggest test to date".

Emma, who is hopeful of being selected for next year's Commonwealth Games, drew experienced Welsh woman Lynsey Holdaway – who competed at the Glasgow Games in 2014 – in the semi-finals by RSC (referee stopping the contest).

Although disappointed to lose, Emma was in no mood to feel too down about the experience, and told Times Sport: "Unfortunately I lost but I'm not too down about it. The draw could have went three ways; for me to box Wales or England in the semi-final, or to get the bye to the final. Welsh boxer Lynsey Holdaway was the biggest test and of course I was drawn against her in the semi-final.

"I was buzzing to box her because I know how experienced she is. She has been boxing for many years and has made a name for herself boxing internationally, both for GB and Wales. Unfortunately the fight didn't go my way; we have an identical style of boxing and ended up clashing as Lynsey's experience prevailed, proving to be stronger than me on the day.

"It's been such a busy year and I've achieved so much in just one season, so to make it to the GB Three Nations was an achievement in itself. Although the result is disappointing, I want to be boxing the best and these kind of matches are the ones that will help develop my boxing further.

"I'm confident we will meet again in a competition, hopefully in the near future and I can get another chance."

Emma, who is sponsored by Lochgelly firm Diamond Fitness, will be back in action at Lochgelly Town Hall next Friday (May 26) in a show hosted by Glenrothes Boxing Club, before travelling to London next month for the prestigious Haringey Box Cup.