THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD Galashiels Academy pupil Max Rogerson made his amateur boxing debut at Craigmillar on Friday night.

Rogerson, one of three Gala brothers who make thrice weekly trips to the Hawick Boxing Club, lost a split decision to Craigmillar’s Thomas Fowley in a cracking three round contest.

Fowley, also 13, was the more experienced of the two youngsters with a record of two wins and two defeats. But that didn’t faze Max Rogerson who boxed well behind his jab in the first round.

Fowley, who had a huge home crowd supporting him, nicked the first round with some crisp and accurate punching. Rogerson started well in the second and boxed behind his jab, giving the Craigmillar youngster plenty to think about.

The third round was a torrid affair with both lads setting a blistering pace. Once again, Fowley was the more accurate puncher but in the last half of the round Rogerson started to land some telling shots of his own. The hugely appreciative crowd gave both lads a great cheer at the end of the bout.

The judges called a split decision for the home boxer and although Rogerson was a little disappointed it won’t be long before he evens up his win/loss ratio.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph this week, Hawick club coach, Gareth Walker said: “Max boxed brilliantly. He forgot the game plan in the first and once he was able to settle down to the job in hand he was great. I am delighted for him. He showed a lot of guts and the decision was as close as it gets. He’ll do well.” The second of the fighting brothers, 11-year-old Lex Rogerson makes his debut for the Hawick club in Stirling on October 3. Max and Lex are joined at the Hawick club by their younger brother Frankie, who is eight.

Commenting on the fighting trio, coach Walker said: “They’re a good bunch of lads. They train hard and listen well. We’re glad to have them here in Hawick.”