A LOCHGELLY youngster is ready to continue a family glove affair after he made his debut in the boxing ring on Sunday.

Talented Harris Folks, 11, of Glenrothes Boxing Club, took his place on the card for its show at the Gilvenbank Hotel, which was dedicated to the memory of the late Connor Law.

The Lochgelly West Primary School pupil took on LJ Jackson, of Aberdeen's Sheddocksley Boxing Club, in a 'cub' bout of three one-minute rounds, and was joined in showcasing his skills by club-mate Reo Martin, who stepped into the ring with Sheddocksley's Ryan Cowie.

They performed ahead of a packed junior and senior card, in front of an audience of 220, and Harris' bow saw him follow in the sporting footsteps of his auntie, Emma McCulloch, who last year left the amateur ranks to become Fife's first female professional boxer, and who will box Danielle Hodges for the Celtic light flyweight title at the end of January.

In addition, he also had his grandfather Allan, Emma's dad and a coach with Glenrothes, in his corner, who started taking him along to kids' classes at the club just over two years ago.

They run three nights a week, after which Allan coaches some of the club's senior members, and he explained: "He was probably eight-and-a-half when his mum said 'dad, you need to take him with you', because all he was doing was sitting on a computer.

"I said to him do you want to go and try? He was a wee bit reluctant but, after the first week, that was him. He started to make a few friends, and some of the senior boxers have taken an interest in Harris and Reo. He just grew more and more into it.

"There were 220 people there and it was a great experience for him. Although he's been sparring for a long time, it was a different setting, walking out in front of that many people and stepping into the ring.

"He did well and is on cloud nine."

Allan continued: "He's only 11 but fought at 48kg – the same as Emma – and is two inches taller!

"When his name was announced, the roof was raised. I was in his corner with Tony Martin (who runs the club's kids' classes) and said to go out and enjoy it. It was a good wee scrap between the two of them.

"Afterwards, Stevie (McGuire, the club's head coach) came into see them (Harris and Reo). He said well done, that's the first one, and when we have our next show, we'll have you on that.

"That's something else for them to work towards."

At the end of the show, a specially created belt in honour of Connor Law, who passed away earlier this year, was presented to heavyweight, Nathan Levers, for being nominated as Glenrothes' best performer on the day.

The club plan to present the award, which was handed to Levers by Connor's dad, Gary, at its shows going forward.