Australian Boxing History Looms For Alex Winwood As World Title Fight Is Confirmed

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Press Release: July 12, 2024 By Dragon Fire Boxing - Winwood is set to face undefeated Thai fighter and current WBA minimumweight super title champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong in Perth on September 7.

Aussie sensation Alex Winwood is staring down Australian boxing history after locking in a world title bout for Perth's HBF Stadium, set for September 7.

The 4-0 Bunbury product is set to meet Thai Thammanoon Niyomtrong - also known by his ringname Knockout CP Freshmart, for the WBA minimumweight super title belt in a bid to smash Jeff Fenech's seven-fight record to a world title set in 1985.

Niyomtrong, who boasts a 24 fight undefeated record, has successfully defended his title 11 times since claiming it in 2016.

It's currently the longest title reign in boxing.

Since his professional debut in November of 2022, Winwood has built his CV with a TKO victory over Tibo Monabesa and unanimous decision wins over highly-rated paining Cris Ganoza and recent WBO world title challenger Reyneris Gutierrez, collecting a WBC International Title in the process.

On Saturday, Winwood was named NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year in recognition of his achievements and community impact.

Ahead of his next test, and the biggest of his career, the 27-year-old said "this is just the start of my legacy in boxing, one that I hope Australia can be proud of and inspire the next generation of boxers".

Winwood says his dream is "just there on the doorstep" in just his fifth professional bout.

"Life's a dream right now, and I'm just enjoying every moment of it," he said.

"I only turned professional under two years ago…I always want to take on the best.

"That's what I said from the get go. But to actually be here is a bit surreal, so I'm just taking every moment as it comes, and I'm just going to get the job done when it comes September 7."

Winwood was due to fight a world title eliminator with Mexico's Luis Castillo in June before the bout was cancelled.

The date in September comes courtesy of promoter Dragon Fire Boxing, alongside Paradigm Entertainment, in conjunction with former world champion Danny Green.

Winwood's world title fight is the first for a WA talent in their home state since Green's over a decade ago.

On Wednesday, Green said Winwood is the "real deal" and "without doubt" a future unified world champion and role model for the entire community.

"He's explosive, he's powerful, he's very skillful. His fundamentals are second to none...He's just got everything," he said.

"And I think the people of Australia, when they see him, once they have the opportunity to see this young guy fight, they're going to be as excited as I am.

Winwood's manager Tony Tolj says his man is "destined for greatness".

Former AFL  Football player and Paradigm Entertainment director Des Headland, who broke the news of the title fight to Winwood with trainer Angelo Hyder and WA Premier Roger Cook, said the opportunity in front of Winwood to take the title at home in front of his mob gives him "goosebumps".

"Alex is a special talent. Not just in the boxing ring, but outside of the ring as well," 

"What he's going to do for our community, and him being a role model is huge. And to have it here on Whadjuk country, here in Perth, he's gonna have all our mob there to support him...It's gonna be a great event.

"Really excited for him to be in front of his family and all our people across WA and the Noongar community here in Perth.

"He's gonna be a sensational talent, and also the next world champion and the quickest ever to do it."

September 7th, History awaits. Tickets available on TIckemaster Australia on Monday July 15th

 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.

‘The ‘I’m Going To Rip Your Head Off’ Attitude Kind Of Describes Me A lot’ Meet Josh Byrne, Perth’s 18-year-old Boxing Talent

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Press Release: June 30, 2024 By Dragon Fire Boxing - In recent years, Perth has proven to be a major player when it comes to growing high quality fighting talent whether that be in MMA or boxing.

 

A young man who is seen to have huge potential to go all the way is Perth’s Josh Byrne.   We had the opportunity to speak to the Perth native about his journey so far.

 

Q: When did your boxing journey start.

 

JB: I was ten when I started and it was just for fitness at first, but as I got older, and had a few wins I thought I could maybe turn it into a career.

 

Q: What do you like about boxing?

 

JB: It’s a bit like an addiction, once you start and you win a fight, you get that good feeling and then when you win you just want to carry that feeling on. I love the sport, I love everything about it, once I get into it, I find it so easy to carry on and maintain my fitness.

 

Q: Where do you currently train?

 

JB: Right now, I train at Big Rigs in Malaga, the guys are really nice and my trainer Rig is a great guy.  I feel like I can talk to him about anything, they are a great bunch of guys to train with.

 

Q: For every great boxer of today, there is a background influence from one of the greats of the past.  Which boxer inspired you? 

JB: I think Mike Tyson is definitely [an inspiration], not so much his style, but just his attitude towards [boxing].   The “I’m going to rip your head off” attitude kind of describes me a lot, if someone hits me, I try and get them back for it.

 

In his professional debut, Byrne cruised to a lopsided unanimous decision victory, when he outclassed Mitch Arnold to win every round on the judges’ scorecards.

 

The win also won him the Alan Pond cup, a trophy named after a legendary West Australian fighter who was a multiple time kickboxing champion before his death in 2021.  We asked Josh about this victory.

 

Q: How did it feel to beat Mitch Arnold in your professional debut?

 

JB: It was awesome, I couldn’t have planned the fight any other way.   The result was awesome, and I can’t thank my manager/promoter Tony [Tolj] and my coach Big Rig (Dayle Phillips) enough. Tony for setting it up for me and Rig for putting the hours in and helping me train and getting me fit.  It was a phenomenal feeling being able to walk away with the trophy.

 

Q: With a debut victory under your belt, what is next in the short term?

 

JB: Fighting on the next [Dragon Fire] card is a goal in the near future, that’s already on the way for me.  For next year, maybe I’ll have another couple of fights and see where that takes me, I might possibly fight for a state title or something like that next year, we’ll see how it goes.

 

While having a vicious and dedicated approach to the sport of boxing, Perth looks set to have a real prospect for great things in the future.

 

With more experience under his belt on the local scene, Byrne will hopefully burst onto the international scene over the next few years a fly the West Australian flag.

 

Byrne is next expected to face Bima Prakosa at Thunderdome 47 on August 23.

 

 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.

“I Want To Be On That Level And I Feel Like I Need To Prove Myself” Steve Gago On WBC Title Win & Boxing Future

 Press Release: June 30, 2024 By Lewis Moss/Dragon Fire Boxing - On May 31st Perth’s Steve Gago made a massive statement at Thunderdome 46 after he knocked out International opponent Zixiang Wang in the second round.

 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

The knockout victory for Gago won him the WBC Australasian Welterweight title, a step closer to his ambitions for a world title.

 

In an interview conducted weeks after the fight, The Aussie expressed how thrilled he was to get the knockout victory.   

 

“It felt amazing, winning A title like that means a lot to me” Gago said.

 

“I didn’t expect it to go that quick, I knew he was going to be a tough guy and I was working with the coach, southpaw against southpaw is difficult,

 

“We came up with a good game plan and we executed it in the second round.”

 

The victory for Gago marks his second in a fourteen-month span, where prior to this, the Perth local had been relatively inactive in the boxing scene with his last fight coming in 2021.

 

When asked about the inactivity, Gago cited injuries as well as other commitments being the main reason for extended time out of the ring.

 

“I feel great, the reason behind my inactivity was that I had a couple of injuries ongoing and stuff happening with work” Gago revealed.

 

“All I did was try to recover good with my proper rehab, I would constantly go to my physio and my chiropractors to make sure everything was up to date.

 

“ Everything was looking good and feeling good so I thought I could give it another crack again.

 

“I’ve fought two people in the top five in the world and I did pretty well and that’s where I thought I should try and aim to be.”

    

Before his long layoff Gago’s last fight was a decision loss to current undefeated IBF Light Welterweight Champion Liam Paro, who won his title earlier this month after defeating Subriel Matias.

 

Gago praised the current champion, claiming that he learned a lot from their fight.

 

“[Paro] has done an amazing job” Gago said.

 

“He’s got a good team behind him and he’s dedicated. from that fight I had with him I learnt a lot, there’s definitely levels to the sport.

 

“I want to be on that level and I feel like I need to prove myself, going 10 rounds with him I proved to myself that I kind of belong in that area.

 

“With Liam, every fight he’s getting better, there’s obviously levels I need to try to keep up.”

  

Along with the Australasian title, Gago’s victory last month earned him a place in the WBC’s world rankings at Welterweight.

 

Gago said that the ranking means a lot to him and despite being 35 years old, he still has ambitions to one day fight for a world title while he is in his athletic prime.

 

“[The ranking] means a lot” Gago said, “when I was active I got around to the top 15-20 in Australia.”

 

“In the top sanctions I think I was top 15 at one point, now to be WBC 39th in the world it’s a bit of a shock to me, but I want to get into the top 10.     

 

“Right now, I am a little bit older, I’m 35 but I feel like I’m probably in my prime, not just physically but mentally aswell.

 

“I’m a little bit more experienced and wiser, I want to get a couple more titles and at least a shot at a world title aswell.

 

“Right now, I just want to get the numbers up and get the rankings up higher, Not only just WBC maybe get back into the IBF as well.” 

 

After two impressive victories since his return to the sport Steve Gago looks to be on the right path, with more fights under his belt it will be interesting to see how his world title quest plays out.

 

 Material Courtesy of: Lewis Moss/Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing  Used with permission.

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

MOLONEY NAMES TARGETS FOR BUMPER AUSSIE TITLE DEFENSE

Press Release: June 2, 2023  By Dragon Fire Boxing and Murray Wenzel/AAP -  A couple of free breakfasts and a family holiday to Yamba.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

It's been a typically low-key homecoming for Australia's newest boxing world champion Jason Moloney.

But the 32-year-old WBO bantamweight belt holder expects that to change with legendary promoter Bob Arum backing the Australian's dream to defend his title - or win some more - in a blockbuster event on home soil.

"Some congratulations and a couple of free breakfasts at the cafe, but I haven't felt it hugely since getting back home," he told AAP of the fanfare while en route to his mini-vacation.

"I've been on the road for years in America and have been surprised by my profile in Japan.

"But it's only just beginning here and now I've got the belt ... I knew I had to achieve something big first.

"I grew up idolising Danny Green and saw how much the country loved him and that's something I'd love.

"I want to get the whole country excited about when I'm fighting next and filling stadiums."

Moloney (26-2) avoided a suspected fractured hand in his calculated majority points decision victory over Vincent Astrolabio in California last month.

Twin brother Andrew lost his own world title fight a week later in Las Vegas, brutally knocked out in the final seconds of the 12th round of his WBO super-flyweight world title bout by the formidable Junto Nakatani.

Andrew suffered a perforated eardrum but has returned to Australia without lingering injuries and keen to get back in the ring.

Top Rank boss Arum was ringside when Jeff Horn beat Manny Pacquiao at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium in 2017.

While only one of the brothers has returned as world champion, Arum still has designs on a Moloney double-header later this year with Melbourne and Gold Coast the early front-runners.

"Bob's all for it," Jason said.

"We sat down with him and he was the one that brought it up.

"If I'm looking to fight in September or October that'll work with Andrew."

Undisputed bantamweight king Naoya Inoue's move up a weight class has thrown Moloney's division wide open, with the Australian now rated No.1 ahead of Emmanuel Rodriguez by The Ring Magazine.

One round was the difference when the Puerto Rican beat Moloney for the IBF belt in 2018, with Rodriguez set to fight for that belt again in July.

Nonito Donaire is ranked third and has switched management since negotiations to fight Moloney for the WBC belt fell down earlier this year.

"If it was up to me I'd say Emmanuel Rodriguez," Moloney said of his desired next opponent.

"To get revenge and have three belts (WBO, The Ring, IBF) on the line, that's the most exciting fight for me at the minute.

"But we've been after Donaire too. I'll fight anyone in my division."

Shattered for his twin, Moloney is confident he still has at least five years left in his career to realise their shared dream.

"It just shows you what boxing is like at the top," he said.

"One week the highest of highs, the very next week the lowest of lows.

"But I plan on holding the belt for a long time and I'm still confident we can be champions at the same time."

 

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

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