Regan Glackin Aims to Emulate Buchanan and Watt by Capturing British Lightweight Title

One thing you can always count on from a Glaswegian is conversation. Like their Scouse counterparts, Scots are known for their humour, love of a good time, and willingness to chat with anyone who’ll listen.

Glasgow’s own Regan Glackin managed to squeeze 30 minutes of talking into a 10-minute interview when Boxing News caught up with him ahead of Saturday night’s British lightweight title tilt against Louie O’Doherty. Glackin wasn’t rushing through his media duties — he was in fine Glaswegian form, relaxed and upbeat.

The 27-year-old from the Robroyston area, about half an hour from the Braehead Arena where he fights this weekend, is chasing history. A win would make him the seventh Scot to win the prestigious Lord Lonsdale belt at lightweight, joining legends like Seaman Nobby Hall, Ken Buchanan, Willie Reilly, Jim Watt, Alex Dickson, and Steve Boyle.

Glackin, 16-0 (3 KOs), only recently learned about the rich history of Scottish lightweights thanks to Queensberry’s Dev Sahni during a media day in Manchester.

“I’m trying to create my own legacy, build my own name,” Glackin says. “I’m following in the footsteps of the people before me, but it’s all about putting my name next to theirs and making my own history.”

Fighting at home against Essex’s O’Doherty and aiming to emulate Watt and Buchanan naturally brings expectations. But Glackin refuses to see it as pressure.

“I don’t look at it as added pressure. I just see it as a greatness I could hopefully aspire to. There’s enough pressure already — fighting in front of cameras and thousands of people is a blessing. I hope to put my name up there with these greats.

“Being lucky number seven would be good, but I’m not thinking that far ahead. There’s a job still to be done.”

The British title has been a long-term goal for Glackin, one already achieved by his friend and training partner Nathaniel Collins, who defends his featherweight belt in Saturday’s main event.

“Winning a British title can catapult you,” he says. “I’ve seen it first-hand with Nathaniel — doors have opened for him. If you asked 10-year-old me, it was always about the British title. I don’t want to be someone who just says, ‘I fought for the British title.’ I want to say I won it. We’re not here just to take part — we’re here to win.

“This fight’s a dream come true, but the job’s not done. I’ve worked for this since I was 10, and I’m just glad I finally have my chance.”

Glackin’s journey hasn’t been glamorous. He’s fought on small-hall shows across Scotland, with only occasional big-stage appearances like his Hydro outing in 2022. Though Scottish and Celtic belts are already in his collection, the British title represents a step up — one he knows he must seize.

“If I can’t be British champion now, I’m never going to be. That’s me being realistic.”

That realism also shapes his outlook beyond boxing.

“I’m not going to be this 35-year-old thinking about just being an opponent for people. There’s life after boxing. I don’t need to take punishment or restrict myself with food anymore. I love training, but I know when to stop.

“I don’t think enough boxers are realistic with themselves. There’s always that ‘one more fight’ mentality, but one extra fight can be your downfall. I’ve always been realistic. There’s life after boxing — I’ll know when I need it.”

His competitive edge fuels every training session. A bad day in the gym eats away at him on the drive home.

“If I have a bad session, it gets me down. I drive home in silence — no music,” he laughs. “I always try to be the best Regan Glackin.”

On Saturday, Glackin will benefit from the boost of a partisan Scottish crowd. A strong undercard featuring Aston Brown, Reese Lynch, Drew Limond, Alex Arthur Jr, and Marcus Sutherland ensures a big turnout, with Glackin and Collins leading a showcase night for Scottish boxing.

Still, Glackin knows the crowd can’t fight for him.

“As an amateur, I was used to being the away fighter. You go into your own zone in the ring. The fans help, but it’s just me and Louie O’Doherty out there. The supporters can raise the atmosphere when things get tough, but I can only rely on myself.

“Every fighter will tell you that once you’re in the ring, all the noise disappears. You get tunnel vision — it’s just you and your opponent. I’ve learned that. Having it at home lines up well for me, but they can’t fight for me.”

Glackin is a refreshing example of a British fighter on the brink of a career-defining night. Twice he talks about the “job” that still needs to be done — a sign of his grounded mindset. No arrogance, no hype — just belief that more can be unlocked starting with victory over O’Doherty.

“I’ve put in the work as always. No matter what happens, I’m going in as the best Regan Glackin. I’ll do my best, and I believe that will get me the win. But time will tell. That’s the beauty of it.”