Mandurah’s “Action” Jackson England has punched his way to Australian Featherweight champion after an impressive technical knockout against Victorian fighter Cain Brunton in Perth last month.
The local boxer and crowd favourite pummeled his way through seven rounds to claim the number one spot in the Australian National Boxing Federation (ANBF) rankings and cap off an epic year for the young fighter.
Brunton left the ring defeated and sporting a broken nose and jaw from the Thunderdome 28 bout on December 14, 2018.
England said he expected more from his opponent.
“They assumed I would be a bit of a walk over, that they would just come in and knock me out,” he said.
“He came out trying to knock my head off but what he had to offer, it just wasn’t enough.
“I was there to win. I went in there with all confidence.
“I expected more and I ended up just taking him apart.”
The 21-year-old was left feeling “overwhelmed” after claiming another professional title, but said it started to sink in after a few days.
I want to succeed and become a world champion.
- 'Action' Jackson England on his plans for his future
“To take that title home and win the fight, it was just the best Christmas present and birthday present and end to the year,” he said.
“A lot of people were congratulating me and saying how well I did and it took me three or four days for it to sink in – I was star struck and overwhelmed more than anything.
“To have that recognition is the best thing to happen to me.”
Taking the win over Brunton has put England in prime position as he makes a name for himself as one of the country’s best young talents and keeps working towards his dream of being a world champion.
“I spend day and night training, and if I can, I get a third session in per day,” he said.
“I want to make this not only my full time career but I want to succeed and become a world champion.
“Winning the Australian title for all of the country to see is one minor step towards where I want to be in my life – to have it is still a very big deal, but it is also still further to where I want to be.”
Definitely big, big things to come this year and I just can’t wait for it.
- 'Action' Jackson England
But as if the year couldn’t end any better, “Action” Jackson was also named the Danny Green – Fighter of the Year for 2018.
England said he didn’t expect to be awarded such an honour from one of his idols.
“I was so shocked,” England said.
“He actually came into my dressing room when I was warming up for the last fight and said ‘I’ll be down there watching you fight’.
“It was really nice to have such an amazing talent and a great Australian and Perth boxing icon to come in and congratulate me and to say good luck.
“When I got awarded by him… he said ‘out of all the fighters this year, you were the one who stood out’ and I really appreciate that.”
England boasted six professional fights for 2018 – a very active resume for a fighter.
But despite the busy schedule, England gave himself just a few days to recover from the December bout, jumping straight back in the ring to prepare for a big 2019 ahead.
“I’m not one to rest, I almost like to over train,” England said.
“This year we’re only planning to have maybe three fights because I’m signing up with new management and I’ll have bigger opportunities now that I’m the Australian champion.
“Definitely big, big things to come this year and I just can’t wait for it.
“I wouldn’t be able to do it without my supporters and the Mandurah community, my family and friends so thank you.”
“Action” Jackson’s next fight will be on March 8, 2019 at Metro City. For more information, follow him on Facebook.