Cessnock's Australian Super Welterweight champion Troy O'Meley has taken his preparations for his title fight to a new level, according to fight promoter Rob Fogarty.
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"It is the best he has ever looked. His training has been on point, his sparring has been the best he has ever sparred," Fogarty said ahead of Saturday's fight.
"I'm expecting a very good performance."
O'Meley is facing his toughest test yet when he takes on experienced fighter Wade Ryan for the vacant IBO International Super Welterweight title Under the Dome at the East Cessnock Bowling Club.
A southpaw, Ryan, 30, boasts a 14 win, five loss professional record including a points decision loss to Tim Tszyu back in 2017 in which Tszyu was forced to take a count.
Fogarty said he expects O'Meley to get past Ryan in what should be a great fight for fans.
O'Meley will then be set for a fight against Jack Brubaker, who lost in a fourth-round knock out to Tszyu 11 months ago.
"After this fight Troy will be in the top 100 in the world and then we've got to fight someone in the top 50 such as Brubaker," Fogarty said.
"It's definitely a competitive weight category at the moment. There's a lot of hungry young kids coming through.
"With Covid it's going to make for a lot of good fights coming up as it's near impossible to be able to afford to bring in any internationals in because you have to quarantine them for a couple of weeks," Fogarty said.
"Everything is five times more expensive.
"To be honest, Covid has been good to the boxing game as Aussies have to fight Aussies.
"There's no dodging fights. This will sort the boys out from the men."
Saturday night's fight is limited to a crowd of 500 under Covid restrictions and Fogarty said boxing fans needed to get in quick to grab a ticket.
"It's looking like a sell out. If you want to get along give the club a call as soon as possible."
Tickets can be purchased at the East Cessnock Bowling Club on 4990 1444 or by calling Fogarty on 0407 112 410.