SCOTTISH Super Bantamweight Champion Joe Ham swapped his boxing gloves for joinery tools when he returned to his day job with a construction firm.

Ham won his first Scottish title in the Scottish Featherweight Championships at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro on April 15, defeating Scott McCormack in a 10-round fight.

A time-served joiner, he celebrated his victory with employer and sponsor City Building at Queenslie Training Centre, where he learned his trade as an apprentice.

Ham was given seven weeks off work to focus on his gruelling training schedule, which involved daily 5.30am runs, strength and conditioning sessions, and sparring.

Ham said: “I’m very grateful for the incredible support I’ve had from City Building over the years. I couldn’t have done this without them and they’ve been with me every step of the journey, since I started my apprenticeship with them nearly five years ago.”

The boxer is currently working on the site of the new Broomhill Primary School, which is due to be completed in 2018.

Graham Paterson, executive director of City Building, said: “Joe’s a champion both in boxing and at work, inspiring and encouraging other young apprentices starting out in their careers to work hard and reach their ambitions with our support.”