Third time lucky for Renton boxing star Caitlin Kelly as she wins Scottish title

Renton boxer Caitlin Kelly admitted it was a case of third time lucky, as she won her first Scottish Elite final.

Caitlin, 21, who is the reigning British Elite champion defeated Alishia Armstrong to take the 66kg Welterweight belt at Ravenscraig earlier this month.

The Antonine BC fighter previously took silver in 2022, before her opponent pulled out last year - with Caitlin saying that the wait made her hungrier for success.

She told the Lennox: “Last year my opponent pulled out at the last minute, so I didn’t even get the opportunity to fight for the belt. In 2022 I got a silver. So it was third time lucky this year.

“Nothing motivates you as much as silver. It’s like the gold is within your grasp and then you let it slip. It’s definitely a sore one.

“But I did everything to make sure I got the gold this time around.

“I’ve picked up a lot more experience over the past two years. So I was confident that I was going to pick up the title.

“I backed myself. I knew it was my time and I know that this is my year.

“I’m reigning Western District Champion, Scottish Champion and still reigning British Champion, which I’ll defend in June.

“I was confident I would get the job done.

“I thought I boxed well. I’d boxed this girl before back in November, and this time around I thought my performance was better.”

And Caitlin relished boxing on a packed card of talent, in front of a full house at Ravenscraig.

She continued: “The occasion really added to it.

“It was on a big stage so I was more fired up to make sure I put in a good performance for everyone who was watching. Whether it be coaches or supporters.

“That sort of atmosphere is the stage I want to be on.

“It adds to it massively. It gets you so psyched up and full of energy before the fight.

“I think I rise to the occasion. Some people crumble under the pressure. But I perform.”

Caitlin has now turned her attention to defending her British title in June, something she is confident she will do with the backing of coaches - and her family and friends.

She added: “My support system is class; from my coaches at Antonine to my family, the coaches at Boxing Scotland and everyone who pushes me on to make this all possible.

“I’m really grateful to all of them.

“I’ve got Antonine’s home show on May 24 where I’ll box as preparation for the British in June. And then I’m raring to go for anything.

“Sometimes it’s outwith my control. Boxing Scotland does selection processes for the tournaments. I’m just waiting for them to tell me it’s time to go onto something big.

“Hopefully in the near future there will be a lot more gold medals to come.”