Spark firing up to join Aussie greats
Despite his immense talent and potential, many supporters believe Toowoomba’s Steve Spark is flying under the Australian boxing radar.
That may not be for much longer if Spark realises his dream next month.
The 21-year-old is aiming to burst into the national spotlight at Rumours International on August 4 when he fights Gearoid Clancy for the Australian super lightweight title.
Victory over the Irelandborn Sydney-sider will not only provide Spark with the next step in his bid for a world title fight, it will also see him add his name to an extraordinary list of previous winners.
The Australian super lightweight championship has long been one of the nation’s most hotly contested divisions.
The list of former champions provides an insight into the who’s who of Australia’s boxing past.
Hector Thompson, Jeff Malcolm, Brian Janssen and Shannon Taylor are just a few of the greats who have worn the super lightweight title belt.
Three Toowoomba boxing greats are also former champions.
Mick Shaw, Michael Katsidis and Jack Asis have all beaten Australia’s best to hold the title.
Spark knows of the belt’s prestigious history and is desperate to next month put his name alongside so many past legends.
“The super lightweight division has always been one of the toughest in Australia,” Spark said.
“You only have to look at the list of previous winners including Michael Katsidis and Jack Asis to realise that.
“I’d love to have my name next to theirs.
“This is a title I want so much — to prove to Australia who I am. This title can put you on the map.
“This is the path my trainer Brendon Smith and I want to take.
“This is the first step for me towards a world title fight that I’m prepared to work hard to try and reach.”
Spark will defend his record of five wins — all by knock-out — from six bouts while Clancy’s 14 bouts have produced nine wins with two by knockout.