Press Release: February 25, 2024 By Dragon Fire Boxing/ Michael Clifton - Perth's Jude Grant steps into the ring for the first time in 2024 when he takes on Sandeep Kumar.
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| Credit: Mike O'Hara |
After a stellar 2023, Perth prospect Jude Grant will launch his 2024 campaign on Friday night at Thunderdome 45. Grant went three from three last year, taking his record to 5-0 while gaining valuable experience inside the squared circle.
Friday's bout will see him face off against India's Sandeep Kumar in a six-round contest with the West Australian State Super Middleweight title on the line. Kumar will be Grant's most experienced opponent to date, and Grant will be looking to implement the lessons he learned over the last 12 months into his upcoming fight.
"Last year was a big learning curve for me, obviously at a new gym, adapting to a new style. I think I came out of it a much better fighter and a much more mature fighter, " Grant explains.
"I'm looking for a very dominant performance. Sandeep has a better record and is my first international opponent, but I'm looking to put on a show. I don't think he is anything special, and, especially with the boys I'm sparring with, I think I'm in line for a big performance."
Training out of Big Rigs in Perth, Grant is surrounded by some of Australia's most talented up-and-coming fighters. Stablemate Jordan Laruccia will headline this week's event when he takes on Indonesia's Wellem Reyk.
It is the perfect environment for a fighter like Grant, who loved the cut and thrust of competitive boxing.
"There's a lot of excitement; the gym is pumping at the moment. Just the sparring I'm getting is second to none. I've got so many boys to spar and so many tests. Like, I can't take a round off. There's no room for any complacency, or I'll get find out, which is a good thing at the end of the day," he said.
"It's forcing me to constantly push, to constantly grow, to constantly get better. "
Australian boxing is going through an exciting time, and Grant feels fortunate to be arriving on a local scene brimming with confidence and talent.
"It's a really booming period in Australia, in boxing; I feel like I'm super blessed to be coming up in this time, and there were definitely other times where it was much harder to get after exposure. But thanks to people like Kambosos and Tszyu brothers and Jai Opetaia, there are a few names out there who are pushing the Australian brand forward. It's such a great time to be coming up. I'm very blessed."
Grant is also aware that, when it comes to boxing, a little showmanship can go a long way, as anyone who has seen him compete can testify.
"My main goal is always winning and winning at all costs, but at the end of the day, I love putting on a show. I love it when people talk to me about how good my performance was. I love giving people their money's worth because tickets aren't free, and they're paying their hard-earned money to come down and support me. So I love putting on the show for them."
Fans will be able to follow Grant and all the action from Thunderdome 45 live and on-demand from Triller TV.
Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/ Michael Clifton/ Photo Courtesy of: Mike O’Hara Used with permission.
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