When Kevin Traynor's professional boxing debut was cancelled in July it came as a blow but it didn’t knock his spirits.
Having put in the hard work to get fighting fit for the bout, the 30-year-old Roads & Grounds road worker and gritter operator clinched another opportunity to get into the ring in October.
Nicknamed the Denny Warrior, he took on Latvia’s Ilgvars Krauklus in Aberdeen knocking him out in 24 seconds!
He said: “I was heartbroken when I found out my debut wasn’t going ahead. But that’s pro-boxing for you, you have to take it on the chin and keep working and waiting. I then got a call in September from professional boxer and event organiser Lee McAllister offering me a chance to fight the following month.
"The fight was meant to last four rounds, but my first left hook knocked my opponent out in seconds. My ring walk lasted longer! I was frustrated as I’d put in the hard work for a longer fight but, looking back on it, it was a brilliant pro debut."
Now the super featherweight is getting ready to play Blackberry Smoke’s ‘Waiting for The Thunder’ as he walks into the ring once again, this time to take on Ghanaian Allotey Brown in the Granite City on December 14th.
“I hope I get a few rounds out of him. I’m a pressure fighter, which means I have the energy to keep going all night, but he’ll be well schooled so I know it will be a tough fight.”
Staying fight ready isn’t easy and, like most people, there are nights when Kevin can't be bothered to train, so what makes him keep going? Pure and simple, dedication.
“If there’s a night when I don’t go to the gym I end up watching the clock and it feels a total waste because training makes me feel better. It helps me work out my frustrations and keeps me mentally and physically strong."