Amateur boxing in Scotland is to get a new governing body.

Amateur Boxing Scotland - officially launching on Saturday - will replace the two previous bodies, the Scottish Amateur Boxing Association and the Scottish Amateur Boxing Federation.

The creation of ABS was the main recommendation of an independent commission charged with finding the way forward for the sport.

The commission was established by Sportscotland and chaired by former world champion Barry McGuigan.

'Overhaul and modernisation'

Mr McGuigan said: "This is exactly what the sport needs - one body united in driving forward boxing in Scotland.

"It's great to see everybody so committed to making this work."

Tony Dawson, chairman of the interim management team, said: "It has been a long 18 months, but the result in reuniting amateur boxing in Scotland has made it all worthwhile.

Strategic direction

"It was clear from the outset that the sport needed both overhauling and modernisation.

"However, there has been great co-operation from everyone involved in working towards the formation of a new body.

"I would wish amateur boxing in Scotland every success in the future."

The first task for members of the new body is to elect a board which will provide the strategic direction for the sport.

A management team will then be established to take responsibility for day-to-day running, including marketing, finance and events.