The Chronicle

Toowoomba quartet vow to claim WUC belts

- GLEN MCCULLOUGH glenm@thechronic­le.com.au

It owns a place on the calendar as Toowoomba’s biggest annual boxing show.

The day pays tribute to fallen Toowoomba boxing champion Brayd Smith who tragically died after a bout three years ago.

It also features four of Toowoomba’s most popular and successful boxing champions who’ll honour their late mate and colleague when they step into the ring looking to claim a World United Championsh­ip belt dedicated to Brayd.

Their appearance caps a mammoth day of boxing on the Rumours Internatio­nal TGW & Smithy Bring The Big Fights 19 card.

The show kicks off at 1pm with the Brayd Smith Amateur Cup pitting City against Country and later features the $5000 Super 8 Footy Tag Team Tournament.

The profession­al card includes rising stars Gav Hornery and Chris Brackin and is headed by four title fights.

Commonweal­th champion Kris George faces Argentinia­n Maximilian­o Scalzone who arrived in Toowoomba earlier this week to step up his fight preparatio­ns.

Toowoomba’s former world champion and inaugural WUC belt winner Jack Asis steps in for his career swansong bout against Australian Champion Rivan Cesaire.

Jamie Hilt fights for his first Brayd Smith WUC title while Brent Rice finds himself in an Australian champion versus Australian champion contest against Brendan Saunders.

Rice is the undefeated Australian super featherwei­ght title holder, while New South Welshman Saunders holds the Australian lightweigh­t belt.

Rice spoke passionate­ly at yesterday’s fight night media launch where Toowoomba’s WUC candidates each voiced their hunger to ensure the belts stay in Toowoomba.

“Ever since I saw one of these belts I just wanted one,” said Rice who is trained by his father Bob.

“A tingle goes through my body every time I look at one and we’ll all be giving it our all to get one.

“We’ve had a great preparatio­n.

“It’s another step up with our opponent but we’re at that stage of our career where we need to take that step and I can’t wait to get in there.”

TICKETS are available at Smithy’s Gym and at the door.

 ?? Photo: Nev Madsen ?? SHAPING UP: Argentinia­n boxer Maximillan­o Scalzone (left) and his Saturday night World United Championsh­ip opponent Kris George, of Toowoomba, at yesterday’s fight night media launch.
Photo: Nev Madsen SHAPING UP: Argentinia­n boxer Maximillan­o Scalzone (left) and his Saturday night World United Championsh­ip opponent Kris George, of Toowoomba, at yesterday’s fight night media launch.

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