PROMISING Greenock boxer Sam Ball is fighting fit for the Commonwealth Games after joining an elite training camp and securing a major sponsorship deal.

The 18-year-old puncher joined the cream of Scottish boxing at a new £10 million academy of excellence at Bridgeton Cross in Glasgow to try out the equipment and show Commonwealth delegates around the facility ahead of the Glasgow 2014 games later this year.

He has also secured an important sponsorship deal for the next four months with Kilmacolm businessman John Laird and his company Redjacket Sports & Events to boost his chances of selection for the Scottish Commonwealth Games team.

The former Notre Dame High pupil, who trains at Greenock ABC on Bawhirley Road, said: “Myself and my family are grateful to Mr Laird and Redjacket Sports & Events.

“This gives me even more motivation to strive for my goal of Commonwealth Games selection.” Sam fights at 64kg and is currently top of the Scottish ranking points table, with a great chance of competing at Glasgow 2014.

The senior Scottish championships later this month are the next major hurdle and the Greenock fighter has a formidable obstacle in former Commonwealth silver medalist Josh Taylor from Edinburgh.

But with the support from his new sponsors, including top-of-the-range equipment, a nutritional plan, injury and travel support, Sam has been given the best possible chance of achieving his ambitions.

Mr Laird, whose company previously represented former middleweight world champion Chris Eubank, said: “Sam presented himself very well and is a credit to his family and his boxing club.

“If our help assists him in his goal for selection he will represent Inverclyde well, I am sure of that.” Sam has been Scottish champion seven years in a row at junior level, the Western District champion six times and won two silvers and a bronze medal at the British Championships.

He has also represented his country at European and World championships and recently won gold in Bosnia.