Australia’s No.2 ranked welterweight Jack Brubaker is hoping a win in his next fight will propel him towards a mouthwatering bout against Aussie No.1 Jeff Horn.
Brubaker, from Cronulla, will host a fight night at Doltone House, Sylvania Waters on April 8 where he will mount the third defence of his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation welterweight title against Filipino southpaw Mark Sales.
The 25-year-old, who is also the World Boxing Council youth world welterweight champion, has an impressive 12-1-1 record since turning professional. Brubaker has won his last six fights and another win in his 10-round bout with Sales would only strengthen his position.
Brubaker’s OPBF welterweight title is affiliated with the WBC, meaning a third successful title defence would see him jump inside the top 15 of the WBC rankings for the first time.
And while Brubaker is ranked No.2 behind Horn in Australia, Horn is the No.1 contender to Brubaker’s OPBF welterweight title.
“I know he’s got plans, he’s chasing a fight with Manny Pacquiao. So it all depends on what he wants to do,” Brubaker said.
“I’d be more than happy to bang it out with him in the middle of this year or later in the year. Whenever I can get him. I think it would be a really good fight for Australian boxing. It’ll happen when it happens.”
Also on the horizon for Brubaker is the aim to build his world ranking in order to eventually earn himself a world title shot.
Brubaker is driven to make the most of his ability, giving up full-time work as a plumber to pursue his boxing career 18 months ago. He has since opened his own gym at Miranda where he can fully focus on his profession.
“I have totally dedicated my life to this, to working as hard as I possibly can to follow my dream. It’s like Muhammad Ali said, ‘suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion,’” he said.
There have also been exciting developments from inside Brubaker’s camp. Brubaker credits his recent improvement with acquiring the services of highly-respected trainer Graham Shaw.
As well as the Brubaker main event, Rockdale’s Tim Tszyu will compete in his third professional fight against Ben Nelson in a four round bout.
Details: brubakerevents.com or 0451 425 219