WYLLIE READY FOR THE LIGHTS
Warwick’s Machine Jake Wyllie looks to continue his climb up the boxing ranks
WARWICK’S hottest young boxing prospect is ready for his time in the spotlight.
Jake ‘The Machine’ Wyllie is gearing up for his biggest test to date when he takes on Matt Powell for the Queensland Super Lightweight title.
The 21-year-old headlines The Big Fights 28 card at Rumours International on Saturday night, and the young man is determined to put on a show under the bright lights.
“It’s a challenge, but I like being tested. You don’t win world titles by fighting chumps. Get me the very best opponents and I’ll do my best to win.”
The path towards fight night hasn’t always been an easy one, with date and opponent changes, but Wyllie has his sights set firmly on taking down the more experienced Powell.
“There’s been a lot of uncertainty coming into this fight. I’ve had to go through a lot of adversity, but it’s just a matter of sticking with it,” he said.
“He’s not going to take a backwards step and I definitely don’t take a backwards step. The harder he hits me I’ll hit back three times harder with another five or six punches on top of it.”
Wyllie forms one half of the Downs’ most lethal boxing families, with brother in law Steven Spark making waves on the big stage.
“We have the same ambitions and it’s awesome to be with Sparksy, learn off each other and get to where we want to,” he said.
“Stevie is an asset to me. I can always go to him for information and advice. I’m forever grateful.”
Spark gave Wyllie a glowing endorsement, and backed him to put on a show.
“This is where it all starts. Jake is slowly carving his own path in boxing and ticking all the boxes,” Spark said.
“He’s in a position to be able to headline this kind of show. He’s got a big career in the sport of boxing.
“We’re similar weights so we get to work together well. He is my brotherin-law so I only want to see him be the best he can be.”
DAWES LINES UP SHOT
For Chance Dawes, the 19-year-old gets the chance to take his promising boxing career to the next level.
The Toowoomba local will fight for the Australian GLIBI Light Middleweight title on Saturday.
“Ever since I was little my dad taught me how to box and throw a punch, and that’s what has landed me here,” he said.
“As a young kid it interested me. Getting my name out there, I’m feeling proud of myself.
“If I can get this on Saturday it would mean the world to me. All the training, all the persistence that I’ve put into it and all the years come down to this.”
Boxing isn’t the only thing on Dawes’ plate, with the young gun also playing for Brothers in the TRL.
“I played the full season with Brothers and love playing footy,” he said.
“It’s a busy schedule, especially with work. Normally I’d go to boxing on a Tuesday and then go straight to footy.
“I’m hoping to see a few of the boys around.
“Dad will be there and I can hear his voice now. My mum and sisters, the whole family will be there for support.”