Wylie primed for his next ring challenge

Exciting Warwick boxing prospect shaping up for his entry into the professional ranks.

Warwick Boxing Club trainer Damien Lawler (left) with former champion amateur boxer Jake Wylie and TGW & Smithy's Gym trainer-promoter Brendon Smith at Smithy's Gym this week. Picture: David Lobwein

BOXING : Warwick teenager Jake Wylie has lived his amateur boxing dream.

The sport has taken him to national and international heights.

Now the next challenge is on and the excitement begins.

Nineteen-year-old Wylie is about to step up to a professional boxing career and with his long-time trainer Damien Lawler he has joined one of Australian boxing’s most successful teams.

Wylie confirmed this week he is linking with TGW & Smithy’s Gym promoter-manager Brendon Smith to help guide his entry into the pro ranks.

“I always thought when I finished my amateur career I would turn pro,” Wylie said this week at Smithy’s Gym.

“I’ve seen what Brendon has done guiding his fighters, and I definitely want to be a part of his team here at Smithy’s Gym.”

Wylie will continue to train full-time with Lawler who he joined at Warwick Boxing Club as a 13-year-old.

The pair teamed for 55 amateur bouts and 41 wins.

“I won a fair few titles,” Wylie explained.

“I’ve won six at state level and five National Golden Gloves.”

Wylie represented Australia in Germany and Hong Kong where he won a 63kg silver medal at the Hong Kong International.

Smith welcomes the opportunity to join Wylie and Lawler in their next venture.

“Jake and Damien have built a great record together, but this is a new challenge again,” Smith said.

“My job is to help them reach their new goals

“Jake is a Darling Downs boy and a proud talent.

“Fifty-five amateur fights is a very impressive grounding.

“He’s had a great apprenticeship as such and he’s now ready to hit the pro ranks.

“I’m really excited for Jake and what he can achieve.

“I know Jake and Damien pretty well already.

“Jake has done a lot of sparring here with our pros, and he brings a lot of added excitement to the team.”

Smith will soon begin plotting Wylie’s first pro match-up.

“Jake is not long back from Hong Kong and we haven’t set a date yet for his first fight,” Smith said.

“We’ll sit down soon and work out a date and venue and announce his first opponent.”