Scottish boxer Robert McNulty has declared that nothing less than Commonwealth Games gold is his goal as he prepares to compete on home soil, aiming to use the achievement as a launchpad into the professional ranks.
Gold Ambition on Home Soil
The 23-year-old, making his Commonwealth Games debut in the 90kg weight class, has 27 bouts of experience. Despite his relative inexperience, McNulty's ambitions are sky-high. He stated: "The aim is not bronze, not silver, but gold. But to be fair, I would be happy as long as I walk away with a medal."
Fighting in front of a home crowd in Scotland, McNulty anticipates an electrifying atmosphere. "Fighting in Scotland, your home crowd, everyone there supporting you, cheering you on. It will be amazing," he said.
Focus and Recent Success
McNulty emphasized his self-focus: "I'm just more focused on myself. It sounds selfish but I've trained for years to get to this level in my career so it's more focused on me now, and then I can maybe watch a bit afterwards and see what other sports are about."
His recent form includes two victories at the Algirdas Socikas Tournament in Lithuania in May, following a runner-up finish at a tournament in Helsinki. Last September, he won two bouts at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, competing at 85kg. He said: "I'm coming away with medals and competing well. I feel like I'm at that level now so I'm trying to show Scotland and the world how good I am and where I belong. I want to be on the top of the podium as well. It's a big achievement representing your country and I'm so proud."
Professional Prospects
The path from Commonwealth Games medals to professional success is well-trodden, with alumni like Joe Joyce and Lennox Lewis. McNulty is eyeing a similar trajectory but remains patient. "There's no rush, I'm still young, I'm only 23 years old so time will tell after the Commonwealth Games," he explained. "It just depends on what deals come promoter-wise and who wants to sign me on - Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, hopefully they're watching."
