Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin

President Reagan out to rule world

- ALEXANDRA BERNARD @bernard_lexie

GOLD Coast boxer Reagan Dessaix is one step closer to his childhood dream of becoming a world champion.

The 22-year-old known in the ring as “The President” has moved to No.13 in WBA world rankings after he took out the Oceania light heavyweigh­t title at Boxing Mania 4 held at Tweed Heads last month.

Dessaix beat Steve Lovett, a 33-year-old who had won 17

of his previous 20 bouts including eight in the US.

“It was by far my biggest victory as a profession­al to date,” Dessaix said.

“I was lost for words after the fight because I had trained and prepared the best I have ever for a fight.

“All the hard work more than paid off with that result, especially being so early in the contest against a seasoned veteran.”

Winning the fight launched Dessaix into the top 15 rankings for the first time and

he is looking forward to his next challenge.

“I’m only opting to fight the best in Australia and the world from here on in,” he said.

“I’m up for any challenges that may come my way on the path of pursuing my childhood dream of becoming a world champion one day soon.”

Coaster Benji Dimitriosk­i also competed at Boxing Mania 4 and came away with the state title after beating Aswin Cabuy via a TKO.

“My goal was to make a statement and take another step towards getting my hands on that Australian title,” Dimitriosk­i said.

He will fight again tonight at Southport Sharks against Joe Liga in the light heavyweigh­t division.

Liga is also coming off a TKO win in July and this will be Dimitriosk­i’s fifth fight of the year which now places him in 10th in the Australian National Boxing Federation.

He is also the NSW cruiserwei­ght titleholde­r.

 ?? Pictures: CAPTURE PHOTOGRAPH­Y, BYRON BAY ?? Reagan “The President” Dessaix lands one on the chin of experience­d boxer Steve Lovett.
Pictures: CAPTURE PHOTOGRAPH­Y, BYRON BAY Reagan “The President” Dessaix lands one on the chin of experience­d boxer Steve Lovett.
 ??  ?? Reagan Dessaix with his WBA Oceania championsh­ip belt.
Reagan Dessaix with his WBA Oceania championsh­ip belt.

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