HITTING BIG TIME

BOXING TULLY pugilist Paul Fleming is one step closer to his dream of a world title fight after claiming a spot on the undercard for Jeff Horn’s face-off with Bruce Corcoran.

The 2008 Olympian enters the eight-round fight against a yet-to-be named opponent at the Brisbane Entertainment and Convention Centre on December 13, in devastating form.

Fleming’s second-round knockout of Tanzanian fighter Sadiki Momba in Bankstown last month was described “as the knockout of the year” by trainer Billy Hussein.

The Sydney-based southpaw, who will welcome his fourth child into the world next year, said the undercard billing was the ideal springboard to a bigger fight in 2018.

“It’s a great opportunity and I feel very fortunate,” Fleming said.

“I’ve had a few fights fall through this year so it’s good to get on such a big card.

“I’ve got to be fit and just do what I do best, which is put on a show. I take every fight seriously, no matter where I’m fighting. Every fight has been a stepping stone to that world title fight. I feel like it’s just another day in the office.

Fleming, 24-0 with 16 knockouts to his name, is working full-time as a scaffolder while training in the evenings.

“The work keeps me fit and active,” he said.

“But I’ve got less than three weeks so I better get my act together and start training hard. I’ve had a few good sessions this week.

“But it’s just about getting sharp and getting my mind right because I only fought a month ago.”

Former trainer Mike Foley recently said he was pleased to see his former fighter still in the ring.

“I think the window is definitely open for him now,” Foley said. “They’re exciting times for him. He has got some great power.”

Fleming said he didn’t expect to having any issue getting to his fighting weight of 59kg.

“It’s as much a mental game as it is a physical game for me, cutting weight,” he said.