Highland Boxing Academy professional Ben Bartlett has title fight confirmed as Dingwall native looks to become double Scottish champion in Inverness
Ben Bartlett is set for a Highland homecoming as he renews his quest to become a double Scottish boxing champion.
The Highland Boxing Academy professional already has the national welterweight belt, but will be looking to add the super welterweight crown to his collection on Friday, March 28 at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
Dubbed “Bad Blood”, the event will be headlined by Bartlett’s bout against Rico Marinovic, who pulled out of a scheduled contest between the two for the same vacant title in December.
Dingwall native Bartlett, then, is looking to make history on home turf when he steps back into the ring in a couple of months’ time.
“It’s an unbelievably big deal for me,” the 25-year-old explained.
“It is a little bit later than what I originally hoped for, but it couldn’t have worked out any better because I’ll be back in Inverness for my 10th professional fight, and it’s a title fight.
“A professional title has never been won in the Highlands. To take a fight like this here and potentially be the first one to win a belt in Inverness – which would mean I’m holding two Scottish titles – would be a dream come true.
“The support I’ve been getting since it got announced has been unbelievable, I’ve had hundreds of people texting me already.
“For me, having this fight in Inverness is showing I’m one of the best. My record speaks for itself, and I’m ready to go out there and make a statement on March 28 and produce a career-best performance.
“I want to win this title in front of a home crowd to show them what I am made of.”
With the original fight between Bartlett and Marinovic postponed, there has been growing animosity between the two.
Exchanging posts on social media, as well as an in-ring confrontation, means emotions may be running high when the two finally step into the ring together.
“It will give the night a lot more fire, and add some nerves for everyone watching the fight,” Bartlett added.
“They have seen the back and forth between me and Rico, and I can assure everyone I’ll be bringing it from the first bell.
“I want the stoppage, and I want to give everyone the show that they’ve been seeing on social media.
“There is pressure – I’ll probably have one of the biggest supports in Scotland based on the people who travel from the Highlands to watch me – but I’m always confident in my ability.
“I’m looking forward to showing everyone what I’m made of back in Inverness. To win this title in front of everyone would be a dream come true.”
