A bruising right-hand uppercut delivered "Action" Jackson England his finest victory yet when he knocked out Rivo Rengkung at Thunderdome 30 last Friday night.
The Mandurah-based boxing star and current Australian featherweight title holder came back from a serious case of appendicitis to fight his vastly more experienced opponent, but none of that mattered when England landed a devastating blow to end the fight in the first round.
That's the best win I've had, including title fights.
- Jackson England
The aspiring young gun entered the ring eager to prove the illness was well and truly in the rear view, and did so in emphatic style.
After spending a quick 30 seconds getting a feel for the bout, England made his move landing a flurry of sharp blows wobbling Rengkung before a left hook sunk him to his knees.
From there it didn't take long for England to end the fight, connecting with a right-hand haymaker that led to the TKO victory.
The win follows a bout of appendicitis that sidelined him from competing at Thunderdome 29, and had the rising star questioning his future in the sport.
But after toppling a 70-fight veteran in his return to the ring, an achievement England labelled the finest in his young career, he is now more determined than ever to chase his world championship dreams.
"That's the best win I've had, including title fights," he said.
"I had a real point to prove. I wanted to show people I can come back harder and stronger than I was before, and I knew that'd be tough going up against such a seasoned opponent.
"He's fought guys who are my idols, and he's gone the distance with them, so to end things in the first round was truly special for me.
"I knew when I landed my first set of punches I was in a good rhythm, and I didn't think he could handle the power I punch with, so when I saw the opening I just went with it.
"I had so much support there and it was just an amazing feeling to put on a show for all the people from Mandurah who turned out for the fight."
Following the win, England announced his next bout will see him travelling to the United Kingdom as he fights the curtain-raiser to former world heavyweight title holder and fellow Onyx 24/7 gym mate Lucas Browne.
It will be his first bout internationally, as he looks to open more doors for his boxing career.
"[Fighting abroad] is something I've dreamed of for a long time now," he said.
"It's a new challenge that I'm really looking forward to, and Lucas is my best mate so to go over there with him is very special."
The fight will be held on July 27.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
