Boxing: Blizzard to realise long-held dream by headlining Launceston card

Tyler Blizzard has two big career dreams. He’ll achieve one of those by headlining a big boxing card in his home town of Launceston next month.

Launceston's Tyler Blizzard is excited about headlining a major boxing card in his home town next month. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Tyler Blizzard has always had two big goals on his bucket list - become a world champion and bring a big boxing event to his home town Launceston.

The former will take some more time, but he believes ticking off the latter next month will help give Tasmanian boxers an overdue platform to show they deserve more opportunities.

Blizzard will take on West Australia’s Ty Narkle for the Australian National Boxing Federation’s Australasian featherweight title at Launceston Tailrace Centre on April 13.

Big Time Boxing, Tazzy Az and Colla-Blizzard Boxing have joined forces to organise the card, which features six professional fights and 15 professional bouts.

Blizzard said the event is a vital chance for local boxers to press their claims for more opportunities on the national stage.

“I’m excited to be headlining it, and also give these other fighters the platform to achieve what they want,” Blizzard said.

“I had a dream since I was young. One was to be a world champion, and the second was to bring an event like this down to Launceston and showcase what I’ve got.

“I’ve worked my whole life for this, it’s come a bit sooner than expected.

“We’ve got some of the best fighters in the country. I’m hoping after this we’re not going to be overlooked, we’re going to be on bigger platforms on the mainland and show what we’re about.”

Boxers Sab Wells, Nathan Griffith, Tyler Blizzard and Layton McFerran will be fighting on the card at a Launceston event next month. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Blizzard said he doesn’t know a great deal about his opponent before the eight three-minute round contest, but is expecting a tough test.

“I know he’s had a massive amateur background, he’s had the three pro fights and I know he’s going to be a test,” Blizzard said.

“He’s coming off a ten round loss to Rocky Ogden the current Australian featherweight champion, so I know it’s not going to be an easy fight.

“I’ll be coming out wanting to showcase my ability and if the toppage is there I’ll put the foot down, but we’ll see.”

Hobart’s Sab Wells may be 2-0 to start his professional career, but he was far from content with his last-start display against Dan Murray in October.

He’s looking to make a statement against Zac Cotten after a planned fight in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago was cancelled after his opponent withdrew.

“I wasn’t happy with my last performance, I’m looking to make a statement this time,” he said. “This is my first six round fight, I want to put my fitness on display and show people how hard I’ve been working.

“(Against Murray) I didn’t pace myself how I wanted to, and just didn’t box the way I can. In three weeks’ time I’m looking to show people I’m a better boxer than that.

“This six round fight I”m going to be a lot more patient, pick my time and make all the punches count.”

He’s moving up a division to super lightweight, but Layton McFerran joked he’s spent the last three months shedding weight before his bout with Brisbane’s Michael Whitehead.

“It’s tougher than what I’m used to with bigger opponents, but it’s nothing I can’t handle,” he said.

“I’ve done a lot of weight training and I was a pretty big boy about 12 weeks ago, I’ve dropped a lot of weight.

“Colla-Blizzard have helped that journey and got me off the couch.

“One thing I’ve learned is to not send guess yourself and life’s too short, if you’re good at something you may as well put your all into it.”

Nathan Griffith is also preparing for his second career bout against James O’Brien.

Door open at 4pm on April 13, with professional fights to begin at 6.30pm.