A City Building joiner, who carries out essential maintenance work at the Emirates Arena, will return to the sports stadium later this month, but this time he’ll be laying down his tools to get into the boxing ring.
Scottish Bantamweight Champion, Joe Ham (27) will appear at the arena on November 30. To help him prepare for the showdown his employer and sponsor, City Building, has given him time off work to focus on his training regime which involves strength and conditioning sessions and 5.30am runs.
Joe joined City Building four years ago, just after he competed in the Commonwealth Games. He is now a fulltime joiner working on various sites throughout the city, including new developments such as Broomhill Primary School, as well carrying out repair jobs at the Emirates Arena in the East End.
He said: “It is an odd feeling to be heading to the Emirates Arena without my tool belt. I’ve done lots of jobs there is the past, so it’s a familiar place. Hopefully it will be a lucky one too.
“City Building have been fantastic, incredibly supportive and have really looked after me.
“Everyone needs to pay bills, and sometimes this reality gets in the way of being able to pursue your passion. Balancing a training regime with an 8am to 4.30pm workday really took its toll, but City Building let me change my shift patterns to suit my schedule. It’s made a huge difference.
“I still get nervous every time I step into the ring, but I’ve really trained hard and I am ready for the challenge.”
Dr Graham Paterson, executive director of City Building, said: “Joe has proven himself to be an incredible athlete, hard worker and talented joiner. We are proud to be a part of his journey and wish him the best of luck for the upcoming fight.”
