Baby steps as Morecambe’s Reece MacMillan turns professional

Reece MacMillan, left, with training partner Darryl Sharp.

Reece MacMillan enters the paid ranks at the Preston Guild Hall on the same day his first child is due.

The former Skerton ABC fighter, 19, says partner Rebecca Bateson was understanding when presented with the dilemma.

The welterweight said: “The conversation was alright to be honest!

Reece MacMillan turns professional with Kieran Farrell.

“They are never usually on time are they so fingers crossed.

“I’ll be fighting whatever happens. It’s for my family’s future after all.”

Westgate’s MacMillan, who used to share a gym with fellow resort professionals Isaac Lowe and Tomi Tatham, last fought 18 months ago with his progression from amateur to professional being delayed by the mechanical fitter’s work commitments out of the area.

Now the former Morecambe High School pupil, who boxed for England as an amateur, is signed with Greater Manchester-based trainer and manager Kieran Farrell and can’t wait to get going.

MacMillan said: “I’ve been working away so I’ve not been able to box.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was young.

“I wanted to get back into and contacted Kieran on Facebook and it’s just gone from there.

“I like to try and get stuck in but Kieran is working to make me a better boxer and we’ll see how it goes.

“I can’t wait for February 20. I’m as fit as I’ve ever been and I think I’m going to have 100 plus people down supporting me.”

Heywood’s Farrell, forced to retire in January 2013 after suffering damage to his brain in a fight with world lightweight champion Anthony Crolla, sees plenty of himself in his new charge.

The former Central Area champion, still just 25, said: “He’s only a kid at the end of the day but a kid who’s ready to fight in the pro game.

“I saw a lot of myself in him when he walked through the door.

“He’s got that nasty side that you need.

“It’s hard to find that nasty side in kids. You’d think it would be easy but it isn’t.

“You can feel his power on the pads. He’s got the killer instinct that you need if you’re going to go far in the game.”

MacMillan is looking for sponsors to help fund his pro career.

Tickets, priced £35 or £55, are also available for the MGM Manchester show at the Preston Guild Hall.

Call Reece on 074699 24248 or Kieran on 079070 56211.