A BOXER from Renfrewshire has shed almost 11 stone in two years as he looks to make his mark in the ring.

Nathan Tarr tipped the scales at more than 30st when he started his weight loss journey at the beginning of 2019 but is now fighting fit, thanks to a sensible diet and regular training.

The 22-year-old Houston man has already taken part in his first amateur bout and is refusing to let the pandemic halt his progress.

He has now set his sights on showing a sell-out crowd of friends and family how far he has come over the past couple of years.

Nathan told The Gazette: “I’ve had an interest in boxing since I was old enough to understand it. I’ve been a coach for a few years and I train my brother Darren, who has turned professional.

“Seeing all the other boys doing it at my club made me want to give it a go. I was beaten on points in my first amateur fight but it was so good to finally lose the weight, be healthy and fit enough to be able to box.

“I think I’ve still got a couple of stone to come off yet. I need to start doing a few more weights but I’ve been running and training as much as I can, so hopefully I’ll be able to put it to good use when everything gets back to normal.

“My friends and family can see the change in me, in my shape and my demeanour, and it would be good to have a fight in front of a big home crowd.”

The support from those at Barrhead Amateur Boxing Club, including Mark Breslin and Brian Walker, has been pivotal, with Brian taking Nathan under his wing and joining him on morning runs.

Ditching booze, chocolate and crisps has also been key for Nathan, who does maintenance for residential childcare provider Curo Salus and studies electrical engineering at West College Scotland, in Paisley.

The Gazette: Nathan used to weigh more than 30 stoneNathan used to weigh more than 30 stone

The former Gryffe High pupil said: “I couldn’t run because of how heavy I was and the effect it would have on my joints but, since I’ve been able to start running, I’ve seen massive progress in my fitness and my overall body shape.

“Crisps were my Kryptonite but, at the start of 2019, I just decided no more crisps, chocolate or alcohol. When my pals were going on nights out, I was going with them but taking the car and drinking tap water.

“It was really boring but it needed to be done because, if you go on nights out, you just end up ruining all of your good work from during the week.”

Nathan hopes his journey will help others follow suit and has this advice for anyone else keen to lose weight: “I know a lot of people might be anxious to go out running in case folk see them but, when I’m having a bad day, running helps everything come together.

“Anyone who is thinking about doing it should just get their running shoes on and get out on the roads or go down to their local boxing club.”