Spark ready to light up rivals in bid to secure a world boxing title

Toowoomba boxer Steve Spark’s life has changed dramatically in the past 18 months. Last year he was ‘pulling beers’ and now the young superstar is on the cusp of fighting for a world title.

Toowoomba boxer Steve Spark with his WBA Intercontinental super lightweight title belt. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Surrounded by family and friends, one of the world’s top boxers Steve Spark will take some time to reflect this Boxing Day.

Nothing has changed for the Toowoomba fighter since he first started boxing – the dream has always been ‘owning’ a world title.

A lot however has changed in the past 18 months.

In July last year Spark was “pulling beers” at Club Glenvale when he took a call that would radically alter his career path.

With just six days preparation he stepped up a number of weight classes to fight Tim Tszyu.

Spark was soundly beaten but the loss does not concern him at all.

“A lot of people talk about being undefeated, keeping that zero (losses), but there is so much more to this sport than being undefeated,” Spark said.

“You can get anyone to be undefeated if you pick their fights right.

“It’s about taking the hard fights, the fights the fans want and the fights you need to take if you want to be a world champion.

“Respect goes a long way in this sport and taking those challenges, taking the hard path is what earns you respect.”

Fight fans still talk about that Tszyu fight, shaking Spark’s hand and praising his efforts, but a lot has changed since then.

For starters he isn’t pouring beers at Club Glenvale now, he’s full-time, and he has fought four more times since – all wins.

“For me the Tszyu fight was a win-win situation no matter what,” Spark said.

“I was going down there to win, but if I was to lose I knew I’d be in a good position to go full-time after that.

“It shot my name out there worldwide and I knew it wasn’t going to derail my career in any way.

“People still shake my hand and say well done for stepping in (to fight Tszyu) and I appreciate that, but I’m also about a lot more than that.

“I’ve had four fights since then and at 140 (pounds), with a full preparation I’m one of the best fighters in the world.”

Toowoomba boxer Steve Spark with his WBA Intercontinental super lightweight title belt. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Fighting at his weight in November, Spark proved exactly how good he is against Montana Love.

In front of a hostile Cleveland crowd, Spark had control of the fight with an early knockdown, before the match ended in chaos.

In a bizarre scene more suited to a WWE Royal Rumble match, Love flipped Spark over the ropes and onto the concrete floor below.

Love was immediately disqualified and despite an appeal referee David Fields decision was upheld and Spark is still the WBA Intercontinental super lightweight champion.

Heading into 2023 it is easier to talk about who Spark is not willing to fight.

The International Boxing Federation recently named Spark as their No. 8 and he expects the WBC and WBA to rank him in similar positions soon.

With that in mind Spark will target any boxer that stands between him and a world title and while Boxing Day will be quiet – the fight game never stops.

“When I’m not in camp for a fight, my training is a lot less intense,” Spark said.

“I’ll enjoy Christmas and Boxing Day with my family and friends, but at the same time I’m always working.

“You have to be ready because in this game the opportunities can come up at any time and you have to be ready to take them.”