Up and coming fighter Michael Letizia has spent the last week showing the West Australian circuit he is a two-pronged attack on a serious mission to become one of the state’s finest.
It’s been a whirlwind seven days for the Next Generation MMA Mandurah member, who won a state amateur boxing title before taking out best performer honours at Mixed Martial Arts WA’s (MMAWA) development day just a week later.
It’s all happened really fast and it’s just been crazy
- Michael Letizia
The 17-year-old fought his way straight to the final at the state boxing titles, taking out a win in the 69 kilogram division.
His form in the ring immediately translated to the cage, as he was a class above the rest at the development day.
His victory at the development day has earned him a spot to fight at the Australian Open, sanctioned by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Australia (IMMAFA), in Melbourne in the coming weeks.
Letizia said fighting at the Australian Open was a mind-blowing opportunity that was yet to sink in.
“It’s all happened really fast and it’s just been crazy, but yeah I’m stoked to get over to Melbourne and be part of it all,” he said.
“It’s another opportunity for me to test myself and see how I stack up against some of the top guys.
“Really I just can’t wait to soak up the experience, and hopefully it helps me become a better fighter.”
Letizia has been training in MMA for almost a decade, first getting involved in the sport at the age of 10.
He joined Next Generation’s Mandurah gym two years ago, teaming up with renowned coaches Marcus McKeever and Anthony Drillich as he looked to reach new heights.
Since then the young gun hasn’t looked back.
“It’s been the best two years of my life,” he said.
“To be able to show up to training every day and learn from some of the best in the business is a privilege, and it’s like you’re part of this one big family.”
Letizia spends up to 12 hours in the gym each week, and is currently in training to fight for selection to the WA state boxing team this weekend.
It will be a quick turnaround for the up and comer, who jets off to Melbourne for the Australian Open just weeks after.
Next Generation MMA Mandurah are currently searching for sponsors to join their fight team.
Anyone interested can call Marcus McKeever on 0498 849 284.