A PROMISING puncher from Greenock has vowed to leave his rivals on the ropes this weekend — and clinch a prized place at the Commonwealth Games.

Sam Ball, 18, can take a step closer to his dream when he competes in crucial Scottish Championships semi-finals tomorrow.

Only two opponents stand in the Greenock boxer’s way for the chance to represent Scotland at the Glasgow Games in the summer.

He takes on Edinburgh-based Jason Easton at Scotstoun Sports Centre tomorrow, and if successful will meet Commonwealth silver medalist Josh Taylor in the final.

The teenage sensation, who trains at Greenock ABC, is going into the crunch clashes in confident mood and says his build-up work has been perfect.

Sam said: “If I win the Scottish Championships it puts me in a better position to be selected.

“Everything is going amazing. I’ve been training up to four times a day and sparring. I feel right up for it.” The youngster lives with his parents Stuart Henderson and Karen Ball and younger brother Ryan, who is also a talented boxer. And, as always, his family will be ringside to support their boy. Sam is no stranger to success — he has been Scottish Champion seven years in a row, at junior, youth and Scottish schoolboy level.

He has also won the West District Championships six times, and gained two silvers and a bronze medal at the British Championships.

The light-welterweight has also represented his country in European and World Championships.

But his ultimate goal remains the Games in July.

He said: “That is definitely my aim. I’m not going for anything less — first the Scottish Championships and the Games.”