Hilt set for title fight
Toowoomba’s Jamie Hilt intends turning his underdog tag into a positive force when he makes a daring bid for the Australian welterweight championship tonight.
The Garden City concreter will look to become Toowoomba’s latest national title-holder when he takes on reigning champion Rivan Cesaire at Rumours International.
The 10-round contest heads the TGW & Smithy Bring The Big Fights 17 card featuring seven pro bouts.
Melbourne-based Cesaire has held the welterweight belt for three years.
He boasts 14 wins in a 20-fight career which includes two meetings with Jeff Horn for a draw and a loss with Australia’s new WBO world welterweight champion.
Hilt has fought eight times for six wins, one draw and a single loss.
The Queensland champion’s latest bout finished in a unanimous points victory over Eddie Dos Santos at Rumours in March this year.
Hilt has been quoted at $5.75 in an unofficial fight market with Cesaire at $1.14.
But Hilt is not intimidated by the “outsider” rating.
He instead plans to use it as motivation.
“It doesn’t bother me,” Hilt said at Thursday’s fight-night media and sponsors press conference.
“It makes me fight better
if anything.
“Knowing you’re the underdog is something you can try to turn around to your advantage.
“Any time you step in the ring you need to box smart
and I’m ready to go on Saturday night.”
Hilt’s trainer Craig Monagle praised his fighter’s work ethic in the lead-up to his biggest career challenge.
“I hope Rivan hasn’t taken Jamie lightly, Jamie’s up to the challenge,” Monagle said.
TICKETS for tonight’s card are available at the door.