City gears up for Preston's big sporting night

Fitzgerald won the award for his outstanding achievements at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning a gold medal, and has since has turned professional, winning his first pro fight last month.

This year’s Preston Guild Hall Sports Awards take place on Friday night, and the organising body of the awards – Preston Sports Forum – paid tribute to the boxer.

Sports Forum chair Peter Mason said: “It is very pleasing to see that Scott has continued his superb achievements by winning his first professional fight.

“Scott is a dedicated professional who excels in his sport.

“On behalf of the Preston Sports Forum, I would like to congratulate him on his win and wish him every success for the future’

Tickets are selling fast for Friday’s Guild Hall event, with Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning gymnast Craig Heap the guest speaker.

He was the first person to captain England to win gold at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Four years later in the Manchester Commonwealth Games, he secured gold again.

And in 2000, despite breaking his hand in two places seven weeks prior, Heap fulfilled his childhood dream of competing at the Olympic Games, achieving personal best in the all-round final of the Sydney Olympics.

Tickets are still available for the big night from the box office at the Guild Hall (01772 804444), priced £25 including a raffle ticket.