Loveable Aussie boxer Harry Garside has announced his first fight for a professional title.
The 24-year-old captured the hearts of Australia at the Tokyo Olympics last year when he won a bronze medal, all the while with his fingernails colourfully painted.
On returning home, he announced plans to turn pro, trained by legendary cornerman Johnny Lewis.
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He made his debut in December on the undercard of Paul Gallen vs Darcy Lussick. Garside beat Sachin Mudaliar by TKO in the first round, but it was a controversial victory as the referee bizarrely stopped the fight for little apparent reason.
But now the young Aussie slugger will fight for the Australian lightweight title, announcing a bout against Manuer Matet.
The pair will headline a strong card at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on March 30.
“It’s business now. This is my life, this is what I’ve dreamt of for a long time,” Garside told media at today’s announcement.
“I’m excited, I’m preparing properly and training properly and feeling good. I just know he’s going to come to the fight, he’s an entertainer and so am I, so I’m excited.
“I’m absolutely honoured to be headlining a show at the Hordern Pavilion, this is huge, and just to be surrounded by some of these athletes, I’m really honoured.”
While his professional debut was over in only a couple of minutes, Garside admits he felt a little overawed by the occasion.
And it impacted his boxing. He was also carrying a hand injury that night.
He’s adamant Australia will see a better version of him on March 30.
“It was a massive occasion, of course, your pro debut,” he said.
“I looked a little bit rushed, I looked a bit unsettled. I wasn’t boxing that smart.
“Me and Johnny have been tightening up a few more screws leading into this fight, and I’m going to make sure I’m boxing nice and smart and really looking like I’m world class.”
Fellow up and coming Aussie boxer Sam Goodman will fight for the WBO Oriental super bantamweight title against Fumiya Fuse on the same card.
MARCH 30, HORDERN PAVILION
Harry Garside vs Manuer Matet (Australian Lightweight Title)
Sam Goodman vs Fumiya Fuse (WBO Oriental Super Bantamweight Title)
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Michael Pengue vs Hero Tito
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