Sparks set to fly with groundbreaking bout

TOOWOOMBA will have the eyes of the boxing world on July 11 as Steve Spark makes his anticipated return to the ring.

( From left ) Brendon Smith and Steve Spark at Smythy's Gym. Wednesday, 24th Jun, 2020.

BOXING: Steven Spark will have the honour of headlining one of the first boxing cards in the world since COVID, and he's making the most of the opportunity.

The IBF Australasian Super Lightweight Title holder hosts Michael Whitehead (7-3-1) in the Garden City on July 11, but that is as far as the welcome mat will extend.

Spark (9-1) hasn't fought in the ring since his knockout defeat of James MacDonald in November, four months prior to Whitehead's split decision victory over Ryan Lucas in March.

Despite the extended break, Spark has dismissed claims ring rust will come into the equation.

"I don't believe in ring rust because I'm always in the gym and I'm always sparring," he said.

"I believe ring rust is when you take time off and you're not consistent. I'm consistent every single day and I don't stop.

"I do have a little bit more of a gap between my fights due to injuries, but it's never seemed to be a problem, so I don't think it will be on the night. I'll be sharp and I'll be ready.

"I've worked very hard through the lockdown and I know that's what I have to do if I want to be a world champion one day.

"This is what it takes and what I've done to stay the course, and hopefully the results come out on July 11."

 

Steve Spark at Smythy's Gym. Wednesday, 24th Jun, 2020.

 

Spark said while he won't take his opponent lightly, he believes trainer Brendon Smith will have him firing to pick up his 10th professional victory.

"With confidence brings success and success brings confidence, and we're having a lot of both at the moment," he said.

"Having Brendon back me the way he does. He thinks I can win a world title.

"I'm not letting that get to my head and I know what's at stake.

"I know what I must do and that's work harder and harder with each training camp.

"I'm expecting a tough competitor in Michael Whitehead. He's come off a good win recently.

"He's fit, hard and ready to go, but I believe in my talent and my skill.

"I believe I'm a lot faster than him. There's no way I'm taking away from what he can do, I just know my capabilities and believe on fight night that I will be the one to reign supreme."

The title fight will headline a five-card program, dubbed Locked Down Lights Up, which will feature a further four professional bouts.

With a limited crowd permitted into Smithy's TGW Gym on the night, the card, as well as past fights from the vault, will be broadcast online on Epicentre. TV.

Among those on the undercard is Jake Wyllie, a Warwick boxer who will make his debut against Prasong Wichama after an impressive amateur career.

"When you've got a young man like Steve leading the way, it creates opportunities for other young men and their dreams," Smith said.

"Young Jake Wyllie came to us a while ago. We've signed together and I've become his manager.

"I'm really excited to be able to give him that opportunity for his first fight to go live on Epicentre. TV that will go around the world.

"He's a young talent, a Warwick boy and a great lad who can fight and brings a lot of excitement.

"We're looking forward to seeing how he goes on the night."

With the card to be broadcast around the world, Smith hopes Spark can capture the eyes of the lucrative American audience.

"The IBF Australasian title is a big title for us," he said.

"Steve has conquered everything in front of him so far with the Australian title, the IBF World Youth title and now the Australasian.

"This is his first defence of it which will give him a top-15 ranking in the world.

"This title comes straight out of America so there's a lot of people that will be viewing it and a lot of the big promoters that we've been connected to over all the years that will be tuning in.

"Put all that aside, we've got a very tough fight in front of us. We haven't won anything until the night."

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