CONFIRMED.
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One simple word has given Sam Ah-See the chance of a lifetime.
The undefeated southpaw’s bid to host his challenge for the vacant Australian National Boxing Federation light middleweight title in Orange was confirmed on Wednesday night.
Ah-See said he was relieved to have secured the bout in his home town, as the other option was fighting in Brisbane.
“It’s very exciting. It’s huge for me and for Orange,” he said.
“It is a bit of a relief in a way, but at the same time I’m just concentrating on winning the title. It’s great to have it in Orange but I wouldn’t have been fussed winning in Brisbane.
“We’re looking to get a big following in Orange for this fight, and then hopefully bring more shows back to the area in the future.”
The 22-year-old will fight the undefeated, former ANBF light middleweight champion Shannon King, who is looking to regain the title after vacating it due to injury.
King has an imposing professional record of seven fights for seven wins, all by knockout.
King is also a professional muay thai fighter, and is undefeated through 19 fights.
He’s knocked out 18 of those opponents as well.
Ah-See explained King has a heavy left hand, and his stellar record makes for a good fight.
“He definitely relies on his power,” Ah-See said.
“He’s got a great record and a great punch. It’ll be a good fight.
“In saying that he’s come across from muay thai and I’d like to think my amateur boxing background gives me an edge.
“I think my defence is up to scratch, and my preparation will be good, so I think I’ll win comfortably.”
Ah-See’s manager, Bathurst’s Matt Rose, said the fight is a huge opportunity for Orange boxing, and the town in general.
“Orange has never hosted a national title fight as far as I know, and the last national champion I know of was 20 years ago,” Rose explained.
“This is a huge opportunity for the entire area.”
Rose said Ah-See has been waiting his whole career for this fight, and he is justifiably confident, especially considering he’ll be a in front a home crowd.
“Obviously no one has replaced King as champion after he got hurt and had to vacate the title,” Rose said.
“This is the one Sammy’s been waiting for, and he’s fighting the best.
“Sam is currently ranked number one in the country and King is number three right now. They could have had two other people fighting, but they recognised Sam and Shannon as the two best fighters available.”