Boxer gloves up for big challenge
jason.gibbs@thechronicle.com.au
BOXING: Chris Oliver has a challenge on his hands.
With little more than a week’s preparation, the St George boxer will fight on the Anthony Mundine and John Wayne Parr undercard.
Oliver has plenty of motivation and reason to succeed, though.
“The experience is one big thing – it’s a big fight card,” Oliver said.
“But the other thing is I just want to teach the younger generation that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
“The new Big Buddy program in St George is taking off – we have about 20 kids involved.
“It gives them something to do and gets them off the street.
“Getting them into the ring, it shows them it doesn’t matter if you win, lose or draw, there’s always the possibility that anything can happen.”
Facing Adrian Farquhar, Oliver will focus on locking down his defence.
“I’ve been training out at the Jack Martin Centre, doing a lot of rounds and sparring with my old coach Elliott Anderson and Darren Hess,” Oliver said.
“I know he (Farquhar) has lot of amateur experience a and he stopped a fighter with 40 fights in professional debut.
“It’s a big step up for me. “My defence and counterpunching will be important.
“That sticking with the knowledge my coaches have given me.
“I’ll let him come in and do what I have to do”
Looking to the big fight of the night, Oliver said it’s difficult to pick a winner.
“I want Mundine to win,” he said.
“But John Wayne Parr is an excellent fighter – they’re both excellent fighters.
“I can’t pick a clear winner, but I would like to see Mundine get it.”