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Philippines, 10 Feb 2025 |
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‘I'm fully confident I can hang with anyone’ -- Aussie Jude Grant on his first international opponent and potential WBC Grand Prix inclusion PhilBoxing.com Mon, 10 Feb 2025  On March 14, Dragon Fire Boxing Promotions hosts their first event of 2025 at the Metro City Night Club. The headliner features the return of the undefeated Jude Grant, who takes on his first international opponent Shi Hong Jun. After capping off a successful 2024 campaign by winning all three of his fights, Perth’s Jude Grant looks to pick up where he left off when he fights in his second main event in a row. When asked about his positioning on the card, Grant expressed his love for being in the spotlight. “I really enjoyed being under the bright lights,” Grant said, “I'm feeling confident and I thought I learnt a lot from the first time I had the status as the main event. “I'm looking to take that experience into the next fight.” In his first main event contest, Grant faced Fano Kori. Despite winning by unanimous decision, Kori had success in the pocket, as his brawler approach gave Grant problems which he had to overcome. Looking back, Grant said that he felt the adversity was good for his growth as a fighter. “I think as a fighter it's important to have tests,” Grant admitted “it's important to see what you're made of. “I think it sort of removed a lot of doubt for me, I know that I can hang with that upper echelon, especially in WA boxing. “I'm fully confident I can hang with anyone.” Grant was originally scheduled to face China’s number one ranked Junior Middleweight Cheng Su, who has a lot of experience on a bigger stage, having fought multiple times for Asia-Pacific and International titles. However this past Wednesday, it was announced that Su had pulled out of the fight with a broken foot and is now being replaced by his countryman Shi Hong Jun. Although the last-minute alteration is unfortunate, Jun will definitely pose a challenge to the Aussie given he has nothing to lose. Should Grant come out of this fight victorious, it would set him up perfectly for what could potentially be a fast track to the big time. Grant’s manager Tony Tolj has nominated him along with his teammate Joel Lewis to potentially take part in the WBC Riyad Season Grand Prix which looks to “discover the next generation of boxing stars.” The tournament is said to only feature fighters under the age of 26 with no more than 15 professional fights, with the included weight classes being Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight. As 128 boxers in total are fighting for glory, the grand prix will be divided into five events throughout the year. With the quarter finals and finals being scheduled for eight and ten rounds respectively. When asked about potentially competing in the tournament, Grant had high praise for Riyad Season and their innovations in the sport. “I think the [grand prix] concept's amazing” Jude commented, “I think what Riyadh Season are doing is incredible for the game, they’re really changing the whole landscape of boxing. “I'd be super excited to get on a card like that in Saudi Arabia. It would just be such a great experience. “I think if I were to win that tournament it would mean that I announced myself on the international stage, but I'm not looking past my next fight at all. “I think that is my first step to really announce myself. If I was to win the tournament, which I fully believe I've got the capabilities to do, it would mean everything.” With the exciting prospect of Saudi fights potentially on the horizon for the Perth fighter, the future looks bright for Jude Grant. However, he cannot overlook the challenge that lies ahead on March 14. Jude Grant fights Shi Hong Jun at the Metro City Night Club on March 14, you can watch the full event on LiveCombatSports.com.au.  |
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