ARGIE BARGY
Luke Jackson was meant to take on Javier Herrera ... he’s a no-show but a fight’s still on
HOBART champ Luke Jackson’s camp is adamant he will fight for a world title this year despite his highly rated Argentinian opponent Javier Herrera pulling out of tonight’s “Next Level” showcase at Wrest Point Casino.
Herrera (15 wins in 16 bouts) was unable to board his flight from Buenos Aires because of visa issues, so Thailand’s Surachet Thongmala (seven wins, eight losses) is a last-minute replacement.
Thongmala, who was still in the country after being KO’d by Joel Brunker last month, is the third opponent for this event after original foe, Argentinian featherweight champ Alan Castillo, was replaced by Herrera after Jackson injured his hand in training, delaying the bout.
Jackson’s promoter Adam Wilcox still strongly believes a win tonight will have Hobart’s WBO Oriental featherweight champ in line for a crack at a world title this year.
The fight will possibly be against WBO world interim featherweight titleholder Carl Frampton, from Ireland.
“He will fight for a world title, and I truly honestly believe he will win a world title,” Wilcox said, although he conceded it was not the ideal build-up, having only been told on Wednesday morning of Herrera’s situation.
“While it is not what we wanted, it is not what we advertise, it is not what we promised, it is certainly not what Luke wanted, but that is where we are at right now,” he said.
Jackson, who holds a perfect 15-0 win-loss record, was originally filthy at being told of the late change, but had now accepted the situation.
“This morning I was very angry. I put a lot of work into this camp,” said Jackson, 33. “I’ve been doing this 16 years and nothing surprises me in this sport. I’ve seen it all. I’ve been on the receiving end of many, many hard times in this sport, but I’ve been on some great times.
“I was very angry, but I spoke to my trainer Billy Hussein and he always calms me down and now I’m in good spirits. I can’t change this no matter what happens. I can only control so much, I can only do my training.
“There will be close to 1000 people here and most of them wouldn’t care who I fought and I’m forever grateful for that.”
Wilcox said no matter who the opponent was tonight, a loss would have the same results for Jackson’s title hopes. “It is all to lose for Luke,” Wilcox said. “His dreams of fighting for a world title, being a world champion, adding that to his resume, of becoming a name in folklore in Tasmanian sport, that is all on the line for him tomorrow night, irrespective of opponents.”
With only some general admission tickets for sale on the door, the event is close to a sellout, which will include an all-Tasmanian national cruiserweight title fight between Uria Afamasaga and Jayden Joseph — the first time in 22 years that Tasmania has hosted a bout for an Australian belt.