In 1987, Wilson was boxing at welterweight for Sparta Amateur Boxing Club in Edinburgh[2] Wilson later boxed out of a couple of other clubs[3] and Edinburgh University Boxing Club before returning to Sparta.[4]
He represented the Scottish team[5] at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada, where he competed in the light-heavyweight division.[6] At the Games he won the silver medal following victories over Uganda's Juma Aiyro, England's Kelly Oliver and Botswana's France Mabiletsa before losing in the final to Dale Brown of Canada.[7][8] He had only been given a place at the 1994 Games following the withdrawal of Liz McColgan through injury.[9]
Following their successes at the Games, Wilson and fellow boxer Paul Shepherd were honoured by the Edinburgh community and local celebrities with a dinner on their behalf.[10] Shortly after the dinner Wilson turned professional[11] and fought at cruiserweight.[12] He contested 14 professional bouts from 1994 to 1998.[13]
