Hilt gloving up for world shot
BOXING: Both men already lay claims to being Australasia’s number one super lightweight.
Now Toowoomba’s Jamie Hilt and Cairo George will fight for the WBU world title on the November 2 TGW & Smithy Bring The Big Fights 24 card at Rumours International.
Hilt, from Thargomindah originally and now based out of Toowoomba, is the reigning ANBF Australasian Champion.
George, from Hamilton New Zealand, is the reigning Pro Box New Zealand National champion and the IBO Asia Pacific Champion.
Hilt has only been boxing since 2015, now 15 bouts later, including a brief retirement, this is the opportunity the boy from Thargo has craved since hanging up the footy boots and pulling on the gloves.
“I couldn’t be happier with this upcoming fight. I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to fight for a world belt in such a short time I’ve been in the sport,” Hilt said.
“A huge thanks to Brendon Smith for organising this fight with IBO super lightweight champion Cairo George.
“Over the past four years I’ve been boxing I’ve been lucky enough to trade blows with some of Australia’s best and world-rated fighters and now to have this opportunity to fight for the WBU title belt is such an honour.
“I had retired last year not happy with my decision because I felt I had a lot more to give.
“I’ve returned fighting at the lighter weight division and feel fitter, stronger and more powerful at Super lightweight.
“The 12 rounds on November 2nd will suit me as I get better as the rounds go on.
“He has a very good record and I believe it will be a tough fight, but every fight I have had has never been a walk in the park.”
The Hilt-versus-George bout is one of several headline fights planned for the November 2 program.
“The Jamie Hilt versus Cairo George title fight will be the second WBU World title fight we’ve hosted in Toowoomba after we staged the Michael Katsidis vs Graham Earl title fight a few years ago,” TGW & Smithy’s promotions promoter Brendon Smith said.
“Jamie Hilt is very popular in Toowoomba, he has a huge supporter base and he wanted a big fight and a big challenge for his final fight.”
■ IN OTHER Toowoomba boxing news, former world champion Jack Asis will hang up his gloves after his latest return to the ring finished in a round-three tko defeat at the hands of Yousef Dib in Sydney last Friday night.
“Jack has had a great career of 66 pro fights,” his trainer Brendon Smith said.
“He loves his boxing and has achieved so much in the sport.
“But he’s reached the stage now where it is time to move on and enjoy a well-deserved retirement from the ring.”