“Action” Jackson England will be hoping to cap off what has already been a stunning year as the Australian National Boxing Federation (ANBF) featherweight champion when he takes to the ring against Victorian Cain Brunton at Thunderdome 28 next month.
Just two months removed from pummeling his way to the Australasian featherweight championship, the Mandurah boxer is now presented with the chance to take control of the number one spot in the ANBF rankings.
I feel like he’s a pretty tough guy, but no disrespect, I’m here to win.
- Jackson England ahead of his ANBF featherweight title bout.
It’s an opportunity with the potential to be a huge boost to England’s aspirations of one day becoming a world champion, and one he said he is refusing to let slip.
“To finish 2018 as the Australian champion? I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year,” he said.
“This is massive for me – it’s a huge deal and I’m so grateful to be given the opportunity.”
Punching his way to the Australian title would cap off a year that has seen England reinforce his stance as one of Australia’s brightest boxing prospects.
Across 2018 the emerging star has taken his record to an impressive 6-1 from seven bouts, enough to secure him sixth spot in the current ANBF featherweight rankings.
A win in his upcoming fight would instantly gift him the number one spot and the national title, but standing in his way is Brunton, another talented prospect with a kickboxing background.
A naturally tough fighter, England expects his opponent to be able to withstand his share of damage, but is hoping his boxing IQ can see him to the victory.
“I’ve known for some time that if I went for this title it would be against (Brunton), so we’ve been able to watch a few of his fights and get a feel for how he goes about it,” England said.
“I think I’ve got the speed, power and skills to get a win in this fight so I just need to go out there and box the way I like to box.
“I feel like he’s a pretty tough guy, but no disrespect, I’m here to win.”
The 20-year-old enters the bout fresh off the back of a grueling nine-day training camp in Thailand, which has him in high spirits ahead of the Thunderdome clash.
“I’m feeling great. We’ve just got back from nine days in Thailand that really showed us what hard work is and it’s got me feeling really good ahead of the fight,” England said.
“Right now I just want to get out there, win that title and show more people what I can do.”
Thunderdome 28 will be held at Metro City on Friday, December 14.
To purchase tickets to the bout, call Jackson (0417 412 200) or Tracy (0415 877 211) England.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
