If anyone doubts Stewart Burt’s desire to make it to the top of boxing, then they would have second thoughts after hearing of his dedication during his festive holidays.

While most of us were stuffing down selection boxes or over-indulging on the bevvy, Burt was dragging himself out on runs in sub-zero temperatures during his break to New York.

But he wouldn’t have it any other way, with the Newton Mearns boxer determined to be ready for whatever challenges the new year may throw his way.

Speaking from the Big Apple, Burt said: “I went out for a run here and it was minus eight with high winds, and honestly, it was unbearable.

“I was really underprepared as well, because I just had a pair of shorts, a T-shirt and a wee hoody, so my whole body was numb. It was ridiculous.

“I managed to find a wee local gym now though, so I’ve been going there every day to keep myself fit so that it’s not so hard when I go back.

“I enjoy it to be honest. Rather than letting yourself go and piling on the weight, I’d rather keep myself in the gym and it counters the extra eating over Christmas. It’s fun to come out here, find wee gyms and just do your own thing.

“I’m just ready to get back home and get back into the gym to look forward to the next one, whatever that may be.”

And Burt hopes that he has a chance to prove that he is ready to take a massive step up, after winning his 11th bout against Andrej Cepur in December.

“I’ve definitely been thinking about this year coming,” he said. “There’s been talk of a few fights coming up, and I’ve said to my coach that I’m ready for any big fights or titles.

“Once I’m home I’ll speak to Joe [Ham senior, his coach] and Alex Morrison, and we’ll take it from there and see what we’re dealing with.”