A decent prospect could be funded to the tune of 1,000 a month, with incentive in place for reaching the higher echelons of the world rankings. Britain can now engage on level terms with most of the amateur world. The Cubans, Americans and the ex-Soviet republics have been professional in all but name for decades while Britain have languished. And Harrison himself got through only at the last attempt and after a handful of failures. Now, brick by brick, the foundations are being put in place for a resurgance, for the development of strength in depth.
Morale is high but then so is the standard of international competition.
At last, though, Britain has the clout to respond. It's up to you lads. Tunney's 'long count' BBC coverage packs punch Belfast welcomes world's best Young Scots ready for Belfast Links to top Boxing stories are at the foot of the page.