Local boxing stars Daniel ‘Porky’ Lovett (left) and Shane ‘The Animal’ Brock (above, on right) will battle a pair of Queenslanders at Dandenong Basketball Stadium on 20 October.By Marc McGowan
CRANBOURNE boxing champions Daniel ‘Porky’ Lovett and Shane ‘The Animal’ Brock will take centre stage in separate fights at Dandenong Basketball Stadium on 20 October.
It follows their appearances on the same card and venue in February.
On that night, 24-year-old Lovett (14 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws) lost a brutal 12-round encounter to countryman Nader Hamdan, while 28-year-old Brock (7-2-1) knocked Thailand’s Pornchai Sithpajuk out in the fourth round. Lovett is yet to return to the ring since after a long-term shoulder injury flared up, but it has since improved following rest and an injection.
His upcoming grudge match with Queenslander Les Sherrington (17-4-0), who is unbeaten in his last seven fights, carries much hype after both camps finally agreed on terms of a catchweight of 78 kilograms over 10 rounds.
“It is going to be one of my toughest fights, but he hasn’t really fought anyone with too much calibre,” Lovett said.
“We reckon he’ll come straight on to me and if he does that it will suit me down to the ground.
“I think I’ll be too big and strong for him, but I won’t take him lightly because he’s got all the punches, so I’ll take it round by round.”
A rematch with Hamdan is also in Lovett’s plans and he believes he can turn the tables if it can be organised.
“I backed my fitness a little too much (last time against Hamdan) and my corner tried to pull me back in between rounds, but I thought I was fit enough to keep going flat out,” Lovett said.
“I still think I won the last one, but I’m more than confident in beating him (if we fought again).”
Brock fought for the vacant World Boxing Federation Asia Pacific flyweight title in April, but his bout with Romilus Rahayaan was deemed a draw.
This time he faces Queenslander Matt Meredith (3-4-1) for the vacant Australian flyweight title.
“My preparation has been good – it’s the hardest I’ve ever worked,” Brock said.
“(Matt is a) short, pretty good fighter and I’ll be looking to wear him down on the fitness side of it because I don’t know too many that train as much as I do.”
Brock is hoping a victory over Meredith will be a springboard to offers to fight abroad.
“I’m pretty much waiting for something to pop up … if you can win an Australian title or any title it gives you more credentials to go overseas,” he said.
Both athletes praised Dandenong Basketball Stadium as a boxing venue and are looking forward to showcasing their talents to the local fans.
“Dandenong is one of the best around,” Lovett said. “Everyone gets a good seat and there are lots in general admission, so everyone is happy.”
