Spark’s world youth title claims growing
His supporters believe he’s destined for bigger things and performances are now justifying that confidence as Steven Spark edges closer to a world title opportunity.
The Toowoomba 22year-old put the international youth boxing fraternity on notice last Saturday night with his latest quality victory — a fifth round stoppage of seasoned Japanese super lightweight Taisho Ozawa.
Ozawa was ruled out of the fight with eye cuts by the ringside doctor after being on Spark’s receiving end for four clinical rounds.
Saturday night’s Rumours International bout was hastily arranged after Spark’s scheduled meeting with Weihao Xu from China for the WBO Asia Pacific Youth title was cancelled.
But the late fight change and subsequent victory could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Spark whose growing profile now has him in the mix for a World Youth Championship shot.
Spark’s trainer-manager Brendon Smith will continue negotiations this week with the IBF for a possible world bout.
“I’ll be discussing with the IBF over the next few days the possibility of a World Youth title fight for Steve,” Smith said yesterday.
“It was a huge step for him last week to open international level and he handled it superbly against a very experienced and dangerous opponent in Taisha Ozawa.
“We believe that performance justifies Steve leapfrogging the Asia Pacific Youth title for an opportunity at world level, so we’ll see where the negotiations lead us.”
Spark’s pro record now stands at seven knock-out and tko victories from eight fights.
Smith is also planning the next move for Toowoomba heavyweight Herman EnePurcell following his gallant Queensland title fight loss to Will Nasio at Rumours last Saturday night.
Ene-Purcell and Nasio fought out a torrid encounter before two knockdowns in round-four brought The Herminator’s night to an early and surprise ending.
“Herman was straight away asking me about organising a rematch,” Smith said.
“He’s feeling good and is in high spirits despite the loss which basically came down to him getting caught after a momentary lapse.
“We’ll just assess the situation before we decide which way to go. Herman is still a young man and we have a lot of faith in him.”
■ BOXING returns to Rumours International on March 9 when the late Brayd Smith is honoured on the city’s biggest annual fight card.