BEWARE THE MEXICAN
LUKE Jackson’s camp says he is in the best condition of his boxing career, but the humble Hobartian can expect “vicious” Mexican Humberto de Santiago to be a major hurdle between him and a shot at the world title.
Grant Brown, promoter of the WBO Oriental featherweight title bout at Hobart City Hall tonight, has told “Action” Jackson to beware the Mexican — a switch-hitting knockout warrior.
“Mexicans are tough. They come to fight and they don’t know how to take a backward step,” Brown said.
“They refuse to quit, it’s against their whole character, and they are vicious fighters. They fight to survive. Anyone in boxing knows that if you fight a Mexican and you’re not prepared, if you haven’t dotted all the Is and crossed the Ts, you’re in trouble.”
Jackson has worked harder for longer to prepare for the bout.
“Luke is in the best physical shape and the best mental shape I’ve ever seen, and I’ve known Luke for the past 12 years,” Brown said.
The training camp in America played a key role.
“He sparred some of the best fighters over there, he sparred with Mexicans and then a training camp with me for four weeks, and then four weeks with Billy Hussein, sparring world champion Billy Dibb. It has got him in great shape.
“He is one step away from a world title shot so it’s all on the line. He knows he has to win and win convincingly to get the shot of his dreams.”
Jackson, 32, must win well, says Brown, to put himself in pole position to take on titleholder Oscar Valdez, also of Mexico.
“It would undoubtedly be the biggest win of his career,” Brown said.
“He’s tough, Humberto, this guy is here to fight. But Luke will box clever and I’m even hoping for a late stoppage.
“If he wins he goes from No.10 in WBO featherweight rankings to inside the top six.
“Oscar Valdez is next on our radar. We’re ready for him and we want to bring him to Tasmania. That’s why we want everyone to support Luke at City Hall and for our government to get behind us to bring a world title fight to Tasmania next year.”