Ben “Benny the Jet” Warburton says he is ready for his WBA Oceania title fight with Joe Williams in Cootamundra on Saturday night.
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“I’m feeling great, I’ve never trained harder for a fight,” Waburton said.
“This is the fight for me, it’s a great opportunity and I can’t wait.”
The 26-year-old Penrith-based boxer has endured a self-confessed stop start career.
He walked into a gym at 16 and has his first professional fight at 18, but took time off at 19 and again at 23 due to personal issues including run-ins with the law.
“My parents split when I was eight and my dad died when I was 18, so I’ve been on my own since then,” Warburton said.
“If it wasn’t for boxing I don’t know where I’d be.
“It’s always brought me back, and now I have this opportunity to advance my career I’m going to grab it with both hands.”
Warburton boasts ten wins, including five knock-outs, from 12 fights.
He lost his last fight to Thai boxer Paitoon Jaikom while carrying a rib injury but says he is feeling “100 per cent” now.
Warburton changed trainers and gyms specifically for this fight, seeking out Mark Grech of Jab Out.
“I knew I needed to change things up and be in the best shape possible.
“He’s trained me hard, I couldn’t have asked for better preparation.”
Warburton admits he was surprised to receive the fight offer from Williams, especially with an interim title on the line.
The boxers first connected as fellow Indigenous athletes and originally planned to spar together.
“I have nothing but respect for Joe, but I’m coming to knock him out,” Warburton said.
“That’s the great thing about boxing - it is a sport and we are there to knock each other down, but we can shake hands at the end of it.”
Warburton says he is looking forward to his first trip out west, and will arrive in Cootamundra on Friday to get ready.
On Saturday he will try to stay relaxed and visualise himself winning the fight.
“I’ll pray we’re both fit and safe after the fight, then do my best to go in and win.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all the brothers and sisters out here, even though I know they’ll all be cheering for Joey.
“I’ll have a few of my people making noise too.”
Seats are still available for the fight night, which will take over Cootamundra Town Hall on Saturday.
General admission tickets are $35 and can be purchased from the Globe Hotel.
Exclusive ringside tables of eight, including food and drinks, can be booked by calling 0406 308 093.
