Pacheco-Sulecki Preview

As the month of August 2024 draws to a close, the spotlight of the sport of Boxing will turn back to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. A division still dominated by unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez, the once and perhaps future undisputed king of the division. While Alvarez has not been defeated for his crown, he no longer has undisputed status as the International Boxing Federation (IBF) have stripped him off their version of the Super-Middleweight championship of the world for his refusal to fulfill his obligation to defend against undefeated IBF number one contender William Scull, who will now fight for the vacant IBF crown later this year against IBF number two rated contender Vladimir Shishkin on a date to be announced. 

Although the subject of world champions fulfilling their obligations is one that this observer has written about extensively over the many years that I have covered the sport, Alvarez, who normally does fulfill his obligations, chose instead to face one of the division's rising stars in the unbeaten Edgar Berlanga on September 14th in Las Vegas. What makes that interesting beyond the dynamic of youth versus experience is a seeming acknowledgement by Alvarez that the division is now starting to see young fighters with fan followings who are looking for their opportunity to derail him. 

One such fighter who is at a very similar position as Berlanga, but for the moment, sees himself being on the outside of the equation, looking in, is undefeated contender Diego Pacheco. Pacheco, who is unbeaten in twenty-one professional fights, with seventeen of those victories coming via knockout, one could say is at an identical stage as Berlanga, who is unbeaten in twenty-two bouts with the same number of knockouts. Boxing, however, is a sport of opportunity and for the moment, the opportunity to fight Alvarez has come for Berlanga.

Meanwhile, Pacheco, who is currently the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) number one Super-Middleweight contender, is not choosing to sit and wait for the potential winner of Alvarez and Berlanga and will risk his number one ranking by taking on current number fourteen rated contender and former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki on August 31st at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA in a bout that can be seen on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

This represents a step up for Pacheco in terms of the experience of his opposition in addition to facing a former world title challenger in Sulecki. In his last fight in April of this year Pacheco scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Shawn McCalman in Las Vegas. While there was not much to say about that outing for Pacheco beyond that he simply did what he had to do and got the job done against an opponent in McCalman, who was able to extend him to a ten round distance for the first time in his career.  It was, however, a fight that did serve as a step forward in showing that Pacheco could go ten rounds and win a convincing decision. 

An aspect that can at times be overlooked is a fighter’s development should never stop, and the day a fighter either stops learning or stops trying to improve their skillset is probably the time that they should consider a new career. In Pacheco’s case, he got to a number one ranking  in twenty-one fights and the development process is still opening. 

Although some will likely say a victory over Maciej Sulecki will not likely lead to him being next in line for the winner of Alvarez-Berlanga given the political elements that be in the sport that for better or worse are always to be considered, a victory and to be more specific one where he is able to perform well will benefit Pacheco more in terms of facing an opponent with significant experience as well as allowing him to stay active, rather than being inactive while waiting for his title shot. 

As for Maciej Sulecki, he will enter this fight having won thirty-two of thirty-four professional fights, having scored knockouts in ten of those bouts. Sulecki will also come in having won his last four fights following his loss to then WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade via twelve round unanimous decision in June 2019.

The aspects that some might see as things that could tip things slightly in Sulecki’s favor beyond merely being the more experienced of the two fighters is he has never been stopped in his thirty-four professional fights, and while not being known for punching power, is a fighter that has shown not only Boxing ability in his career, but also an ability to go deep into fights and go the distance. Sulecki’s strategy in this fight will likely center on trying to weather Pacheco’s punching power early while looking to be elusive and try to extend the bout into the middle and late rounds. Whether he can do that, out box Pacheco, and avoid Pacheco’s power for twelve rounds remains to be seen. 

Often it is these types of fights that a contender must go through before they are able to get their opportunity to challenge for a world championship. Diego Pacheco is looking to show that he is ready for a world championship bout, Maciej Sulecki likely sees this bout as a chance to catapult himself into the discussion of potential challengers for Alvarez down the line assuming Alvarez gets by Berlanga. With much on the line for both fighters we will see who will be able to take the next step forward. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Pacheco vs. Sulecki takes place on Saturday, August 31st at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT. 

(*U.S. Times Only*) 

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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Belated Thunderdome 47 Results From Perth, Australia

Press Release: August 28, 2024 By Dragon Fire Boxing-  Thunderdome 47 (Friday, August 23rd) had exciting night of fights once again, as fans were treated to a card filled with rising prospects and stunning knockouts.

 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The main event of the evening saw Ryan Daye score a stunning highlight reel KO over Fano Kori to capture WBC Gold.

 

The card also saw undefeated fighters Jude Grant and Josh Byrne impress once again, as well as fan favourite Joel Lewis bouncing back from his first defeat.

 

Ryan Daye Defeats Fano Kori

 

In the headline fight, Ryan Daye scored a huge knockout victory against Fano Kori in what was an extremely back and forth encounter between the two men.

 

Debuting in 2022, Ryan Daye had burst onto the Perth boxing scene and rose up the ranks quickly. Taking his opponents resume into consideration, this fight against Kori was most definitely his toughest to date.

 

But on the night, the Aussie passed that test in stunning fashion.

 

The fight started off very calculated with both fighters looking for openings, Daye looked to counter his opponent who was the more aggressive fighter.

 

The aggression from Kori carried over into the second round. Despite establishing a strong jab early, Daye struggled to find his timing against the awkward fighter.

 

Kori on the other hand was timing Daye well, as he was correctly picked his shots and entered into range at the right time.

 

Daye took control in the third round, as his jab had more of an impact. Although Kori landed some hard punches, Daye stood his ground and covered up nicely.

 

For the fourth and fifth rounds, the action was very back and forth.

 

Being the much more polished boxer, Daye continued to use his superior footwork to his advantage, as Kori kept up his wild onslaught of hard power shots that would land on multiple occasions.

 

As Kori would land the more damaging shots, many fans in attendance were wondering how the fight was being scored by the judges at ringside.

 

Kori landed multiple hooks to the body to start the sixth round. Although Kori was still aggressive, it was clear to see that he was slowing down.

 

Despite the onslaught from his opponent, Daye remained composed as the fight entered the seventh, making this bout with Kori the longest of his career so far.

 

After yet another trade off in the seventh round, Daye staggered Kori with a big right hand with thirty seconds to go. As Kori tried to move away, Daye connected with a huge right cross that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas.

 

Kori was unable to answer the count of ten, giving Daye the highlight KO win.

 

After the fight it was reported that Daye was down on the judges’ scorecards, having only won two rounds before the start of the seventh.

 

The come from behind KO victory for the Aussie moved his undefeated record to 5-0, whilst awarding him the WBC Silver Australasian Super Welterweight title.  

 

With a WBC title in the bag early into his career the future looks bright for Ryan Daye, who has become the second man to beat Fano Kori inside the distance.

 

Joel Lewis Defeats Habib Kherikhah

In the co-main event, Joel Lewis defeated Habib Kherikhah in devastating fashion in the third round to capture the WBC Silver Australasian Super Lightweight title. 

 

Coming into the fight, Lewis had suffered his first defeat against Mahdi Sarbaz in Bangkok two months prior. Needing a statement win, Lewis was matched up against a familiar foe in Habib Kherikhah and the Perth native delivered with yet another spectacular performance.

 

The fight started off very slow. Lewis showed a lot of discipline in his approach by using feints to make Kherikhah enter the pocket, while finding the right time to explode with power shots.

 

Lewis started to utilise his jab and uppercut more in the second round, as Kherikhah started to press the action in a wild manner.

 

Despite the pressure from his opponent, Lewis was able to still be effective whilst maintaining his distance.

 

After 30 seconds of the third round, Kherikhah ran into a huge counter right hand that sent him crashing to the canvas.

 

Although Kherikhah answered the count, Lewis finished the fight with a barrage of punches which prompted the referee to stop the fight.

 

The win for Lewis moves his record to 5-1, in what was a great way to respond to his first professional loss

 

Josh Byrne Defeats Bima Prakosa

Earlier in the night, Josh Byrne was victorious in his second professional fight by defeating Bima Prakosa.

 

After easily winning his debut fight against Mitch Arnold three months prior, Byrne looked to stay active in the Perth boxing scene by taking a fight with international opponent Bima Prakosa.

 

Although the Indonesian showed a lot of heart and toughness, It was simply not enough to deal with the Big Rig’s fighter.

 

The first round started off aggressively with Byrne pushing the action. Prakosa was able to find a home for his right hook in the early goings, but it did little to affect the Aussie.

 

Towards the end of the round, Byrne does a good job of roughing up Prakosa with vicious body shots

 

Prakosa started to show signs of fatigue in the second round. With the pace of the fight starting to slow down, Byrne started to find a home for his punches on his unbalanced opponent.

 

The feeling in the arena was that Byrne was going to finish his opponent easily in the third round, however that was not the case.

 

Although he was clearly losing the bout, Prakosa threw everything he had at his Aussie opponent. For the next two rounds Byrne threw multiple head and body punches, but Prakosa refused to go down as the fight shockingly went the distance.

 

Despite Prakosa’s brave effort Josh Byrne secured a lopsided unanimous decision victory.

 

The victory for Byrne moves his professional record to 2-0. Although the fight was tougher than most expected, it is still good to see the 18-year-old get four more rounds as he moves forward in his career.

 

Jude Grant Defeats Benny Tamaela

 

Jude Grant maintained his perfect record as he defeated Benny Tamaela, in what was the second stoppage victory of his boxing career.

 

Coming off his third state title win, Grant stayed in his preferred weight class to take on the first international opponent in Benny Tamaela.

 

The fight started off with Tamaela attempting to rough up his opponent, but Grant was able to use his reach well as he attacked the Indonesian with hard punches to the body.

 

The second round commenced with the Aussie pressing his opponent onto the ropes. Although Tamaela would try to swing his way out of the corner, Grant would always be at the perfect range to move out of danger and punish his opponent with counters.

 

After a well-timed right cross Tamaela covered up and fell to the canvas. Grant tried to close the show but the Indonesian was able to survive.

 

The third round saw Tamaela desperately swinging at Grant with no balance, whilst the Aussie was connecting at will.

 

As the round went on, Tamaela started to break down and after Grant landed a flurry of shots against his cradling opponent, the referee stopped the fight declaring Grant the winner by TKO.

 

With yet another impressive win under his belt, it is only a matter of time until Perth’s golden boy gets a shot over east or perhaps even overseas.

Material Courtesy and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

MVP’S JAVON “WANNA” WALTON FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM MOST VALUABLE PROSPECTS 8 DUE TO MEDICAL INFECTION

Press Release: August 26, 2024 By Most Valuable Promotions and DAZN- NEW YORK, NY – August 26, 2024 – MVP today announced that 18-year-old boxing prodigy and actor Javon “Wanna” Walton has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled co-main event bout at Most Valuable Prospects 8 due to a medical infection. Walton, who was set to face professional boxer Erik Hanley in a 4-round super featherweight fight, has been declared medically unfit to compete due to the infection. The event, presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy and sponsored by Fansly and Event Ticket Center, will still take place on Friday, September 6, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL, and will be available globally as part of the DAZN subscription package with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter.

"Javon’s well-being is our top priority," said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP. "While we are disappointed that he will not be able to compete at Most Valuable Prospects 8 on Friday, September 6, we are confident that he will make a full recovery and return to the ring stronger than ever. We appreciate the support from his family, fans, and the boxing community during this time."

Despite Walton’s withdrawal, the event will still feature a stacked card, headlined by a 10-round super lightweight showdown between Kevin Brown (5-0, 3 KOs) and John Bauza (18-1, 8 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight Continental Americas title. The main card will also include Hendri Cedeno (13-0, 10 KOs) vs. Enriko Gogokhia (13-1-2, 8 KOs) in an 8-round super lightweight fight and Yoelvis Gomez (7-1, 6 KOs) in an 8-round middleweight bout. The preliminary card will also feature Bree Howling (7-0, 2 KOs) vs. Beata Dudek (4-3, 4 KOs) in an 8-round bantamweight clash. Harley Mederos (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Nikolai Buzolin (9-9-1, 5 KOs) in a 6-round lightweight bout, and Antraveous Ingram (7-0, 2 KOs) vs. Cruse Stewart (8-3, 6 KOs) in a 6-round junior middleweight bout.

MVP and Boxlab Promotions are working to identify a suitable replacement fight for the co-main bout on Most Valuable Prospects 8. More details will be announced in the coming days.

Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 8 are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

For further updates, follow us on X via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit dazngroup.com.

Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions and DAZN Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Schedule Update

We would like to let our readers know that a preview discussing the upcoming Super-Middleweight encounter between undefeated top contender Diego Pacheco and former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki is currently in the works and will be released here on The Boxing Truth®️ on Thursday, August 29th. In the interim, any content that is sent in from parties throughout the sport will be made available for readers as they come in. Stay tuned. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Hurd And Rosario Fight To A Draw

In a battle of former unified Jr. Middleweight world champions Jareet Hurd and Jeison Rosario fought to a highly competitive ten round split decision draw on Wednesday night at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, FL. Now competing as Middleweights, both fighters had their say throughout, but it was Hurd who seemed to carry the action early by using his reach to keep Rosario at the end of his jab. 

This was the pattern of the fight for the first several rounds with Hurd occasionally mixing in combinations behind his jab and making it difficult for Rosario to get close or land punches with consistency. As it seemed as though Hurd might be able to contently box his way to a convincing decision victory, Rosario's pressure gradually began to close the gap and by the middle rounds the combat was being fought in close where both fighters connected with solid hooks to the head. While this may have made the action more competitive, it did not seem to be to Hurd’s benefit to engage in the inside because when he used his jab and lateral movement to keep Rosario at distance, one might argue that it was a different fight.

Hurd was unable to get things back into the rhythm he had established in the early rounds, and by the late rounds, it seemed as though Rosario was in control. With the fight seemingly up for grabs going into the tenth and final round, Rosario would put forth one of his better rounds of the bout by being aggressive and keeping Hurd on the defensive. Rosario's rally over the second half of the fight did succeed in both making it competitive as well as narrowing the scorecards, but he was unable to pull out the victory as the three official judges were split in their scoring resulting in a draw being declared.

Official scores were 96-94(Hurd),96-94 (Rosario), and 95-95 resulting in a split decision draw. Jarrett Hurd advances to 25-3-1, with 17 Knockouts. Jeison Rosario advances to 24-4-2, with 18 Knockouts.

Also on this card:

Bantamweight Michael Angeletti scored a tactical and workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over Geraldo Valdez. Angeletti simply went through the motions throughout the fight, tactically out Boxing Valdez in what was a competitive bout throughout. The highlight came in the eighth round when Angeletti seemed to have Valdez on the verge of being stopped after badly hurting him with a left hook to the body. Valdez showed his mettle, survived the round, and made it to the final bell. Official scores were 97-93,and 98-92 (On two scorecards) in favor of Angeletti.  Michael Angeletti advances to 12-0, with 7 Knockouts. Geraldo Valdez falls to 16-2, with 11 Knockouts.

Undefeated Jr. Lightweight Dominic Valle scored a hard- fought eight round unanimous decision over a very “Game" 

Kevin Piedrahita. Valle’s combination punches and lateral movement carried the action in the first five rounds, but the constant pressure of Piedrahita opened up opportunities for him in the latter rounds including staggering Valle with a left hook to the head in the seventh round, but Valle was able to maintain and secure a convincing decision victory.. Official scores were 78-74, 79-73 (On two scorecards) in favor of Valle. Dominic Valle advances to 10-0, with 7 Knockouts. Kevin Piedrahita falls to 9-3, with 8 Knockouts. 

Unbeaten Heavyweight and former two-time Olympic Bronze medalist Ivan Dychko scored a second round stoppage of Craig Lewis. Dychko floored Lewis in the second round with a flush overhand right and badly staggered him later in the round with another right hand, which forced the stoppage.  Official time of the stoppage was 2:05 of round two. Ivan Dychko 14-0, with 13 Knockouts. Craig Lewis falls to 15-8-1, with 8 Knockouts.

Jr. Welterweights  Tristan Gallichan and Renny Mastrapa fought to a six round split decision draw to begin the evening. Mastrapa kept Gallichan moving backward during the first half of the fight and was generally the more aggressive fighter, but Gallichan seemed to get the better of the action in spots in the later rounds.   Official scores were 58-56 (Mastrapa), 58-56 (Gallichan),  and 57-57 resulting in a split decision draw. Tristan Gallichan advances to 5-0-2, with 3 Knockouts. Renny Mastrapa advances to 3-1-1, with 2 Knockouts. 

Some may have labeled the encounter between Jarrett Hurd and Jeison Rosario as a “Crossroads Fight" or perhaps even win or retire for either fighter. In reality, both former world champions performed well against each other and each still has the benefit of name recognition, which should keep opportunities open for them if each can continue to be competitive. This fight was the first for both competing under the ProBox Promotions and the ProBox TV banner and though the obvious thing to do might be to set up a rematch, it may come down to how quickly either Hurd and Rosario want to get back in the ring and whether other opportunities might be available to either under the ProBox banner that will determine if there will be a second encounter. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Hurd-Rosario Preview

 The theme of August 2024 in the world of Boxing outside of Olympic competition has been the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division. Following two highly competitive fights in the division to start the month, the focus now shifts slightly to the 160lb. Middleweight division where two former Jr. Middleweight world champions are preparing to meet as both look to take the next step towards challenging for another world title. This observer is referring to the encounter between former unified IBF/IBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Jarrett Hurd and former unified IBF/IBO/WBA Jr. Middleweight world champion Jeison Rosario. A scheduled ten round bout that will take place on Wednesday, August 21st at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, FL, which can be seen on digital Boxing streaming network ProBox TV.

Both Hurd and Rosario are likely known to many Boxing fans for having previously competed under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) promotional banner in their careers and one might argue that both are now at a similar stage in their careers in looking for another opportunity to fight for a world championship, now as Middleweights. The similarities between the two do not end there. 

Hurd and Rosario are each well-rounded boxer/punchers that can do a little of everything inside the ring and each is not particularly known for one asset. What this fight might come down to is who will be able to maintain a rhythm throughout the fight.

This is a scenario where both fighters have shown an ability to start well early in a fight, but at times have terrible maintaining their pace as it progresses into the middle and late rounds. Jarrett Hurd will come into this fight off of a fourth round stoppage of a fighter named Tyi Edmonds in December of last year and has gone 2-2 in his last four fights. Rosario meanwhile will enter the fight also coming off of a victory in his last outing in November of last year in scoring a second round stoppage of a fighter named Israel Nina.

The commonality of both Edmonds and Nina as opponents were that both were veterans, but not considered world-class opposition. If one were to look for a statistical indicator to infer who might have momentum going into this fight between Hurd and Rosario, it might be that Rosario has won four of his last five bouts and has been the more active of the two fighters as Hurd has only fought twice in the last three years, where in the same period of time, Rosario has fought five times.

While one might be tempted to use the “Crossroads" label for this fight, this observer feels that this is more of a case of the winner being able to possibly work their way into a sanctioning organization’s rankings at 160lbs. first rather than a scenario where the fighter that comes up short, might want to consider retirement. The reason for this is the Middleweight division currently is lacking in terms of name recognition and there always seems to be a path for fighters who have won world titles in their careers to get another opportunity compared to fighters who have not been able to transition from contender to world champion. Obviously, an impressive performance for either fighter will likely go a ways towards determining how quickly the next opportunity might come. Who will be able to take that next step is something we will find out on August 21st.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Hurd vs. Rosario takes place on Wednesday, August 21st at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, FL. The fight can be seen globally on digital subscription Boxing streaming network ProBox TV beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT (U.S. Times Only.).

For more information about ProBox TV including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, additional programming and content, and to subscribe please visit: www.ProBoxTV.com. 

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Jude Grant Locked In For Thunderdome 47 Aug 23

Press Release: August 15, 2024 By Dragon Fire Boxing - On August 23, DragonFire Promotions hits the Metro City nightclub once again for Thunderdome 47, headlined by two WBC title fights.

 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Before the main fights, Undefeated prospect Jude Grant takes the stage for the second time this year when he faces Indonesia’s Benny Tamaela.

 

When speaking to the Perth fighter, Grant said that he was ready to go for his first international opponent.

 

“I'm very confident,” Grant said. “I've been training hard, sparring some of the best fighters in the state. I feel more than prepared.”

 

In his last fight Grant disposed of Mitchell Arnold in a very lopsided fight, winning every round on the judges’ scorecard in his decision victory.

 

The win contested in the Super Middleweight division, earned Grant his third state title, having already collected belts at Middleweight and Super Welterweight.

 

When asked about his exploration of different weight divisions, Grant said the main reason behind his decision making was to stay active.

 

“I definitely prefer to be at middle weight or a super welterweight.” Grant revealed

 

“At this stage of my career, I just want to stay active and fight whoever gets put in front of me and that's what I've been prepared to do so far.

 

“I got Mitch (Arnold) on one day's notice because my other opponent pulled out.       

 

“It was a bit of a change -up, but I feel confident that I can beat anyone on any night and I was prepared to demonstrate that.”

 

Grant’s upcoming fight against Benny Tamaela will be his first opponent that resides outside Australia.

 

Grant however, takes inspiration from his teammate Jordan LaRuccia who defeated his international opponent Wellem Reyek with ease back in February.

 

“I believe he'll bring grit, so it’ll be a real test” Grant said. “I feel like I have the skill to beat anyone, and that's what I want to demonstrate.”

 

Although he isn’t overlooking his upcoming opponent, the Aussie has detailed his plans going into the next year.

 

At his young age activity is a key factor whilst on the path to bigger and better things in the sport.

 

“It’s a big goal for me to fight the best over East” Grant told. I want to stay as active as I can.

 

“I want to fight at least once more this year, maybe even twice, depending on if we can get opponents in.

 

“Hopefully I can fight for an Aussie title in 2025.”

 

Jude is yet another example of the talent in West Australian Boxing and the future most definitely looks bright.

 

Jude Grant fights Benny Tamaela at the Metro City Night Club on August 23rd.

 

 

Material Courtesy and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Alex Winwood On The Brink Of Greatness With Key Bout In Perth

Press Release: August 14, 2024 By Dragon Fire Boxing and Jarred Cross- 

When Noongar boxer Alex Winwood steps into the ring next month, one step away from the WBA Super World Minimum belt and Australian record as the fastest man to a world title, it's a chance for him to "make that little kid proud".

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

That's his teenage self - 15 years old and taking the plunge into what might prove a historic career after giving footy away.

"From a small gym in Mandurah in a tin shed…now I'm rubbing shoulders with the best of the athletes in the country and in the world," Winwood told National Indigenous Times on being named a finalists NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year, which he went on to win, in June.

At Perth's HBF Stadium on September 7, Winwood will meet Thailand's 24-0, eight-year reigning champ Thammanoon Niyomtrong - also known by his ringname Knockout CP Freshmart.

On the fight announcement in July, Winwood said "life was a dream" just shy of two years from his professional debut.

Along the way to a 4-0 undefeated record against proven opponents has come Australian and the WBC International minimumweight title.

The former Olympian and Commonwealth Games representative made his title fight opponent's homelands the base of a training camp to prepare, joining Thai fighter OPBF light flyweight champ and WBO no.4-rated Thanongsak Simsri.

"(It was) pretty much the best sparring situation," Winwood told National Indigenous Times on Thursday.

"He was very similar to our opponent…invaluable for us to be there and work with him".

The coming weeks are all about mentality and approach.

Winwood said he's going "full-bore" at present with 12-round sparring, aerobic training and mental preparation ahead of a taper closer to go-time

"He's looking fantastic" Winwood's trainer Angelo Hyder said.

"I was extremely happy by the time we left (Thailand)", he said, ahead of a rotation of international training partners arriving.

"We're just going to sharpen him up. Each of those guys has a different skill set. We utilise some for the hardest sparring, for the more skilled sparring".

Hyder said they're "setting the traps" and "developing the tricks" to "lure this guy in and knock him out".

The tried and tested method of building a pedigree against "tomato cans" - that's journeyman with less glossy records, is worlds away from Winwood's approach to demanding attention taking on world-class fighters.

That's according to Brett Bonetti, who has been ringside on the microphone commentating Winwood's swift rise.

Bonetti sees a "generational talent" in the making, and one who's "made it look easy" so far.

"He's one of the best I've ever seen do it out of the blocks," he said.

"He's got the opportunity to create history and get to a world title, two fights faster than Jeff Fenech did it (in his seventh professional fight almost 40 years ago). I believe he's going to do it."

Despite the opportunity ahead of him, Winwood said he's not letting the occasion get the better of him.

From his debut fight in November 2022 to a world title shot, there's been no room for shying away from taking every chance at chasing the dream and getting to the brink of the journey he set out.

"I don't like losing," Winwood said.

"The risk (fighting high-rated opponents) for me has always been the same and the reward to get to this point has been the same.

"To fight for a world title as fast as we have (got here) - I'm just fully embracing it every day."

Winwood said after facing uncertainties front-on, overcoming hurdles and with the knowledge and experience he's got now, the message to his teenage self is "be fearless and challenge yourself at every point".

"I hope I make that little kid proud," he said.

Winwood will challenge Knockout CP Freshmart at Perth's HBF Stadium on September 7 - tickets available online.

Material Courtesy of Jarred Cross/Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

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