Nichols primed for Aussie title defence
TASMANIA’S knockout king Jayden “Plugger” Nichols says he is in career best form as he heads to Victoria today to defend his Australian cruiserweight championship against challenger Ben Kelleher at Mansfield Tavern tomorrow night.
Nichols has trained hard for his battle with the former mixed martial arts fighter, and his trainer/manager Adrian Lovell and assistant trainer Richard Newtown have put him through the wringer at the Brighton Boxing Club.
The 24-year-old spray painter won the cruiserweight title this year and was mandated to put his belt on the line against Kelleher in his home town. That doesn’t worry “Plugger”. “I’ll fight anyone, anywhere,” he said. “I am ready to go. “This is the fittest I’ve ever been. “I’m going over there to stay the Australian champion. I’m going to his home town to upset them.”
Kelleher switched to boxing after a career in kickboxing and MMA.
“He’s 6ft 2in [188cm] and an [attacking] fighter — he comes to fight and keeps pushing forward,” Nichols said.
“Adrian and Richard have done a tremendous job getting me ready.
“Richard is 6ft 4in [193cm] and 120kg and I’ve been sparring with him. He’s really pushed me to keep me tight, box and move, because last fight I got hit a little bit too much. We have a plan in place to counteract the moves he could make.
“I’ve just got to take my time because it’s over 10 rounds.”