Professional boxer Ben "Bad Boy" Bartlett aiming to bring title back to the Highlands in 2023
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Ben Bartlett says he thrives under the pressure of representing the Highlands on the professional boxing scene.
The "Bad Boy" returned to the ring last weekend, extending his pro record to 6-0 despite being badly hit by illness in the run up to his bout with Ukrainian fighter Mykhailo Sovtus.
Bartlett is very aware of how unique the position he is in is, but he uses that as motivation to keep improving and being a success to become a role model for others.
"Being a professional boxer at 23 keeps me switched on," he explained.
"I know no-one else is doing this, so I'm setting an example for all the young ones that go to a boxing gym.
"I'm focused on training all the time. I don't let anything get to me, I just keep my head down and get on with it.
"Pressure brings me to another level. Even in fights, if I know I'm fighting a big name or a previous champion, that brings out the best of me and my boxing ability.
"Being from Dingwall – nobody has ever done this from where I'm from, and especially at this age.
"I just want to prove it can be done. I know it can be done, and I've got a brilliant support behind me, so we'll just see where it goes."
If Bartlett has his way, where things will go is towards a championship as quickly as possible.
"I'm comfortable going into fights, and I'm comfortable sparring against Scottish and British champions," Bartlett added.
"I'm 6-0 now, so I'm definitely looking to add a title to my name before the end of the year.
"I want the Scottish title this year. I will get it this year. I've just got to keep training hard – like I'm doing anyway – and the titles will come.
"I'm training before work at 5am, then as soon as I'm home from work I'm straight back to the gym for another two hours of training. I do that every day of the week, so I'm dedicated, I'm focused. I know I can do it, I just need to keep going.
"I would be looking for my next fight to be for a title, but there's a lot of politics in boxing.
"There's a lot of business that comes into it, but I definitely feel like I'm ready for the title shot.
"I think I'll need to have another couple of fights under my belt before I get that opportunity, but it will 100 per cent happen before the end of the year."
