A GLASGOW barman is set to take to the ring in the hopes of kicking off a professional career in boxing.

Brian White has worked at Cairns Bar in Glasgow’s city centre for around four years but is about to take on the fight of his life as he goes head to head with amateur sportsmen from around the country, including Ronnie Nailen and Barry Aikman, to become champion of The Rising competition next month.

The competition, which is organised by On The Ropes Boxing, will be hosted by Clyde 1 DJ Gina McKie and will also feature a special appearance by Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Steven Ray, as well as a performance by Mayhem Dance Squad.

The 22-year-old has been working towards his goal of becoming a professional boxer for almost five years and he hopes The Rising could be his chance.

He said: “I’m looking at going pro.

“I’ve progressed a lot over the two years that I’ve been doing this.

“You come a long way between wanting to do it and to be actually fighting.

“It’s been about five years now, on and off, but I’ve been fully doing it for the past two years.

“I have always been interested in boxing but its taken time to train up for it and to start fighting.”

The gruelling training regime doesn’t just end with psychical workout, as the young sportsman also has to mentally prepare himself for each match, which sees him relying on his coach for support.

He said: “Preparing yourself for a fight is hard - the training is different from anything else.

“It’s a team you’re on and it’s more about your coach - they put you in the right frame of mind and you work through the barriers.

“They support you and you keep each other going.

“Mentally it was hard - you need to force yourself through the barrier point and you just need to keep going.

“You just need to motivate yourself to try and give that extra bit. You know that the other guy is at the same point as you so you’ve got to be mentally stronger.”

Brian, from Swinton near Easterhouse, also has another motivation to bag the title – his family.

The athlete has been working hard to live out his grandfather’s legacy after discovering he also took part in the sport.

He added: “I don’t really remember him but he was a boxer as well so I think I owe it to him.

“My mum was telling me all about him and showing me photos of him from his career so that was always something I’d wanted to emulate.”

Guests will be treated to dinner and entertainment, including a sports auction at the event, which takes place at The Westerwood Hotel Golf and Country Club at 7pm.

For tickets to the event, which cost £65 with tables of ten priced at £600, email gerard@mayhem-promotions.co.uk.