George targeting Asia shot
Cairo George will be heading to Asia this year after proving himself a class above in New Zealand boxing rings.
The 23-year-old won the light middleweight NZ title this month, adding to his welterweight belt.
Having taken the step up a weight grade to further test his abilities, George said it’s clear now that he will be heading overseas and aiming for a bigger belt.
‘‘Two different weight divisions I’m New Zealand champion in,’’ George said. ‘‘I’ve proven now that I can conquer New Zealand in two different weight divisions, so I think I can go out and do well on a world scale as well.
‘‘[Hopefully] we’ll fight for an Asia Pacific of Pan Asia title towards the end of the year. I’m looking forward to doing something like that.’’
Before then George will have to give up his welterweight title, with professional boxing rules stating that boxers can not hold more than one title.
However, it will be welterweight boxing that George will target internationally, as he said it’s a more natural weight for him.
‘‘I really just moved up a weight grade because it was a good opportunity, but I’ll be fighting at welterweight.
‘‘It’s a bit of a shame, but I guess I’ll end up having to win it back.’’
Fighting Brad Milner for the light middleweight title on February 8 at Chaos in the Coromandel, George was strong in defence and battered his opponent with counter punches.
Milner was struggling to land any punches on George, whose speed was causing his experienced opponent plenty of problems.
At the end of the sixth round Milner
Cairo George holds two New Zealand professional boxing titles, and is to head overseas this year. retired, having been battered by several blows from George, and unable to land any blows in return.
George said he learnt a few things from the fight, and put into practice things he had learnt when fighting on the undercard of David Tua’s fight last year.
‘‘I knew I had to work on my defence and focus on not getting hit as much, and that worked really well in that title fight,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s hard enough as it is boxing without getting hit all the time.
‘‘I’m focusing on my defence and counter punching, and it’s working well.’’
After Asia, George is open about his goals to conquer the world, and Las Vegas in particular.
‘‘It’s every fighters dream to head over there and train with world champions, or become one yourself.
‘‘If I can get anywhere near there, I’ll be happy.’’