Luke Bibby is fast turning into the Pied Piper of Perth after making a perfect start to his professional boxing career.
The Fair City lightweight brought over 200 people with him to Glasgow for his debut contest last month – a points victory in which he won every round.
And then there was another three-figure travelling support, St Johnstone captain Liam Gordon among them, that made the trip to Alloa just a fortnight later for an even more impressive two-round stoppage victory.
Bibby, a decorated amateur, has taken to the paid ranks like a duck to water.
Word is quickly spreading across his home city that this is a boxing journey which carries the potential to go to British title level and beyond.
“The people from Perth took over at both places,” Bibby told Courier Sport.
“It was about 200 in Glasgow and 100 in Alloa.
“Both times I was the fighter who had the most fans in the venue. You could hear the difference when I came into the ring.
“It’s not long after Christmas and people have spent their hard-earned money to see me fight.
“I can’t put into words what it means.
“Those are memories for life.
“I can’t thank everybody enough – and all of the people who have been showing their support back in Perth as well.
“The whole city really is getting behind me.”
From empty halls to cheering fans
Bibby, who won British and continental titles as an amateur, admitted that nothing can prepare a boxer for the change of environment he’s just experienced.
“I fought well in the first fight but I’d been used to fighting in empty halls in places like Macedonia,” said the 23-year-old.
“Boxing for Scotland I’d always be away.
“Having 200 people in Glasgow just to see me was insane. I’d never experienced anything like it.
“It didn’t disrupt what I was doing in the ring too much but I was definitely more ready in Alloa – and I think it showed.
“I was on fire.
“I didn’t feel under pressure but I was desperate not to let anyone down.
“It’s the 12th man in football.
“My fan base is only going to get bigger and bigger as I keep moving up the ladder.”
Former World Champion in opposite corner
Yorkshire boxer, Nathan Darby, didn’t get off his stool for the third round last Friday night, with his trainer, a former world champion, saving him from more Bibby punishment in a one-sided bout.
“I’d have loved a clean knockout but it was only going one way,” said Bibby.
“His corner man was Junior Witter.
“He pulled him out between rounds, which was the right thing to do.
“I felt so strong in there. I was pushing a really high pace.
“I know I’m going to be able to keep that going through eight, 10, and 12 rounds as I step up.
“Me and Billy (Nelson) have been working on attacking the body more.
“I’ve always had good body shots but not used them as much as I should.
“They were pretty telling.
“There was a change of opponent a few days before the fight. He was a good bit bigger than me – more of a welterweight.
“But I don’t care who is put in front of me.”
The Emirates next
Bibby’s next appearance in the ring will be on the Willie Limond v Joe Laws undercard at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Friday, April 12.
“That will be my first fight in an arena,” he said.
𝑩𝑰𝑩𝑩𝒀 𝑰𝑺 𝑩𝑨𝑪𝑲! … 💥
Luke Bibby just got his first stoppage as a pro on our Alloa show and we’re delighted to announce he joins:
Willie Limond vs Joe Laws
Friday 12th April
Emirates Arena (Main Hall) pic.twitter.com/PBD5g9ZmkZ— St Andrew's S.C (@StAndrewsSC) February 16, 2024
“I could win the Scottish title right now – I know where I’m at – but Billy wants to make sure we take small steps.
“A career is a marathon and Billy knows how best to guide me. He’s happy with how things have gone so far.”
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