BOXING : Smith Bros are having a ball.

Byline: BY BRIAN DONALD

BRUISE brothers Terry and Ryan Smith owe their boxing prowess to a lethal combination of quick fists and feet. Terry, 16, and 14-year-old Ryan have punched their way to Western and Scottish youth titles at their respective weights for the last three years. And the secret of the siblings' success according to dad David is dedication to their other love - football.

David, who helps coach the kids with Glasgow's Pollokshields Noble Art club fight guru Kris McAdam, said: 'Both my boys are keen footballers and play for local boys' teams. 'Terry plays right-back while Ryan is a midfielder and football benefits their stamina in the ring just as boxing helps their endurance during games - but boxing is their first love.'

Featherweight Terry showed he's just as handy with a pair of gloves as a ball by romping to four victories over Forgewood club featherweight Mike Roberts, including a triumph in this year's Scottish youth 57kg final.

And Irishman Sean Murphy lost by a 10-1 points margin to Terry's kid brother, light-flyweight Ryan, in the semi-finals of the British Four Nations Tournament earlier this year.

David said: 'Terry has lost just five of 18 bouts but everyone who has defeated him has been of championship class so it takes the best to see him off.

'Ryan has won 15 of 18 fights and most of these guys have been top-notchers like Garnock Valley's Craig Johnstone.

'He's a top fighter but Ryan dumped him 20-12 in the Scottish Championships.'

Smith senior reckons his boys' silver medals at the Four Nations have given them a real taste for success. He said: 'Ryan only missed out on gold in Liverpool by dropping a controversial points decision to top English boxer Ian Weaver.

'Terry gave English rival Dave Watson a hard scrap in their final at Cardiff but two silver medals is just a start.'

Coach McAdam, a former pro and amateur star lightweight, recognises the boys are blessed with talent - but feels the state-of-the-art Noble Art club has played a big part in their rise to prominence.

McAdam said: 'Ryan oozes natural talent while Terry has had to work hard to become a good boxer.

'Both brothers have big futures in amateur boxing at domestic and international level.

'Mind you, I like to think our Pollokshields gym is the best in Scotland and has contributed to their rise as hot prospects.

'We have two full-sized rings, 17 punch bags and a sauna and sunbed suite.'

Scottish national coach John McKay backed up McAdam's verdict.

He said: 'Terry is so keen to learn - he soaks up anything you tell him and puts it into practice while Ryan is a very good prospect too.'

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QUICK ON THEIR FEET: Terry and Ryan Smith are at home on the football field or in the ring, where they continue to attract praise