Ten year’s later the dream burns as bright, but it has been refined to a step-by-step plan to turn it into reality.

O’Meley graduated into the professional ranks in September, after 130 plus amateur fights including 43 representing Australia (101 wins), and is fighting Daniel Maxwell in Sydney on Friday night confident of making it four wins from four fights.

“Early next year I’d hope to have a fight for the NSW title and have an Australian title by the end of the year,” O’Meley, who turns 25 on December 18, said.

“I’ve never been fitter, I’m jumping out my skin ready to get in the ring on Friday night.

“I’m fighting Daniel Maxwell who is ranked in the top-15 in Australia and this will be my first six-round fight. He has had 57 fights and has a lot of experience and a reputation for going the distance.

“I’m fighting at super-welterweight (70kg) but hope to get my next fights at welterweight (67kg) which is my preferred division.

“It’s a good category for me. I’ll be a bit lighter on my feet and quicker

“A lot of fighters were reluctant to get in the ring given my record in amateurs, but it’s starting to come together now.”

O’Meley’s confidence is built on years of hard work, single-minded dedication and determination and is backed by his team which includes Danny Green’s former coach Troy Birchell and fitness coach Brett Rohr from Total Fitness, Cessnock

“My plan was always to serve a good apprenticeship in amateurs before stepping up and while it is the best path long-term it has made it difficult getting fights since I turned professional,” he said.

“I have a great team backing me, they give me so much support and they have real belief that I can go through to a world title.”

O’Meley’s apprenticeship included three years training in Thailand from a 16-year-old eventually becoming part of the Thai national boxing team and travelling around the world.

“I travelled the world with them. It was crazy, it was a real good experience for me I was with world and national champions it taught me a lot about boxing and life.”

He returned to Australia and fought 43 times in the green and gold but was denied a shot at the Olympics by a controversial points decision.

“I had a good fight against the No.1 guy in Australia in the 69kg spot. I got the hard end of the stick on that deal. Everyone thought I’d won but they gave him the win,” he said. 

“I had to move on and I knew I gave it 100 per cent. 

“Every time I train or go into the ring I give it 100 per cent.”

Hunter sporting fans can also get behind Troy by supporting a comedy night at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Saturday, December 16. All funds raised will assist Troy in his quest to bring home to Cessnock a world boxing title. Tickets are available from ECBC reception or by phoning 4990 1444.