Cessnock boxer Zack Fitzpatrick is chasing his third Australian title in a row at the national championships in Hobart next week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 14-year-old says he is super keen to get back in the ring and is confident after fighting and defeating a heavier and older opponent in his preparation.
“You are never sure who you will face until you see who turns up as it’s a tournament and not a challenge fight,” he said.
“I’ve been training hard and in my most recent fight beat a guy who was heavier and older than me.
“I’m super keen.”
Another Australian title will cap off a huge year for the St Phillip’s College student who won the NSW title, interstate title and 38kg Australian title in November last year.
It was the first year Fitzpatrick had been able to fight in NSW, which has a 14-year age minimum on boxers stepping into the ring.
At this year’s Australian titles he will be competing in the 44kg division and his trainer Ben Crampton believes the youngster will come away a three-time Australian champion after winning two years ago in the 28kg category as a 12-year-old and returning last year to win in the 38kg category.
Crampton said Fitzpatrick’s preparation had been faultless and he continued to amaze him with his dedication and love of the sport.
“He does whatever you ask him and then is looking for more work,” Crampton said.
As part of his preparations in the lead-up Fitzpatrick had a six tow-minute round sparring session on the weekend with retired professional Matty Ford.