Boxer Luke Bibby is hoping his latest overseas training camp can lay the foundations for him to explode onto the international scene.
The Perth Railway Boxing Club member put in the hard work with the Scottish elite squad in the Russian city of St Petersburg.
Bibby picks up new experiences and learnings with every trip to the continent and this latest adventure has again served him well.
“The purpose of the camp was to get top sparring for upcoming tournaments in the months ahead,” Bibby told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“The sparring has been very hard but I’m doing very well and implementing my game. I’m feeling very sharp.
“We were just here for the sparring and have also been doing Russian strength work, which is very enjoyable.
“This camp is similar to other camps but I feel, when you come to another country to spar their boxers, it is different than sparring in your own gym.
“It creates more of a fight environment which takes you to the next level in your preparation, especially when sparring top level Russians.”
While there was no competitive action in the ring this time around, the hard work is ideal preparation for what is set to be an exciting schedule in 2022.
“There wasn't any fighting but I do have a very busy couple of months coming up,” Bibby explained.
“I’m away to Ireland and then Canada this month, and then fighting in March.
“The experiences I’m getting are amazing and it’s allowing me to experience so many styles and add to my game.”
Progressing to this standard has also allowed Bibby to take in new cities and cultures. When the hard work is done, he enjoys that side of it too.
He said: “We do get days off and I like to explore the cities I’m in when I get time.
“It’s amazing to see the different cultures and explore massive cities such as St Petersburg.
“But when it’s time to work I always make sure I give 100 per cent and leave no stone unturned in my prep.
“I don’t want to have any regrets when I look back on my career. I always like to control what I can control and let everything else unfold for me.
“In my mind I will 100 per cent reach the top in this sport.”
The mission for Bibby this year is a clear one and he concludes: “My plan for this year is to really explode on to the international boxing scene, picking up gold medals and represent my country as much as possible. That is what makes me the most proud.”
