MacDonald keen to lower Spark boom
BRISBANE challenger and rising Toowoomba star meet for Australasian belt.
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BOXING : James MacDonald will be out to step from the shadows of some illustrious training partners when he looks to lower the boom on exciting Toowoomba fighter Steve Spark at Rumours International on Saturday night.
Spark and Brisbane-based MacDonald meet for the vacant IBF Australasian Super Light title in a bout that carries growing international status for the winner with the loser remaining anchored in the rankings.
Saturday's title contest shares equal billing on the TGW & Smithy Bring The Big Fights 24 card.
The night also feature's Toowoomba-based Jamie Hilt fighting New Zealand champion Cairo George for the WBU Super Light world title.
The professional undercard includes Stanthorpe's Chris Brackin and Gavan Hornery in action.
MacDonald is from the Brisbane gym run by Glenn Rushton with its stable stars including former world champion Jeff Horn.
Twenty-three-year-old Spark is looking to build on his 8-1 record with all eight victories coming via early finishes.
His latest success was a fourth-round stoppage of Luis Castillo in their IBF Youth Super Light title bout at Rumours in March
MacDonald (27) has had 15 pro fights for 11 wins (six by KO), three losses and a draw.
He defeated Mick Shaw by TKO in his latest June fight.
Rushton and Spark's trainer-manager Brendon Smith have declared Saturday night's clash a 50-50 call.
"Steve Spark is a terrific young boxer, as is James McDonald," said Ruston who was a one-time corner man for Spark during his successful amateur days.
"James has been matching it with the likes of Jeff Horn, Dennis Hogan and Cameron Hammond in the gym and holding his own.
"This is a 50-50 fight, I think can go either way.
"It's going to be a great fight and I can't wait."
Hilt deflected questions at yesterday's press conference about if Saturday night's fight will be his final ring appearance as he looks to add a world championship to his Queensland and Australasian belts.
"I think on the night, you'll see the best of me," Hilt said.
"Every fight I think I am getting fitter and better.
"I think this is going to be a war."
Hilt's preparation with trainer Craig Monagle has included sparring with Spark and former Commonwealth champion Kris George.
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