Undefeated Noongar boxer Alex Winwood describes his fighting style as a combination of Mike Tyson and Roy Jones at 5-foot-tall.
He spent his early years learning the sport in the south west and is now preparing to put on the gloves for the biggest fight of his life.
Tomorrow, the 27-year-old will be headlining his first world title fight in front of his friends and family at HBF Stadium in Perth.
He’ll be going toe to toe with Thai world champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the WBA World Minimum weight Championship.
“The A Rock” has the chance to be Australia’s next Aboriginal boxing world champion and he’s got the confidence to do it.
“Now that we are rolling in to the open media days, the work outs, the press conference, I can just feel this win coming,” he told NITV.
“I can feel that roar, that cheer, I can feel the belt around my waist.”
After making his pro debut just two years ago, the Noongar boxer has been fast tracked to face Thailand’s Thammanoon Niyomtrong, otherwise known as Knockout CP Freshmart.
He’s also an undefeated fighter with 24 wins and 11 title defences over the last eight years.
Winwood will go head to head with Thailand’s Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the title.
Winwood is not naive about the challenge before him.
“He’s the champ and he’s been the champion for a long time,” he said.
“I have great respect for him and he’s held his title for eight years, so all credit to him, but his week is over Saturday night.”
The power behind the punch
Veteran boxing trainer Angelo Hyder has helped many Australian fighters such as Danny Green and Andrew Moloney to world title victories.
Hyder said Winwood has been impressive since joining his team and has the talent to break the Australian record with a knockout.
“We’ve got a completely professional team and Alex came from a great background with the Commonwealth games and the Olympics so he fitted straight in.
“He’s made the sacrifices and commitment that was needed to get to where he needs to be, and that’s why he’s done it so fast.
Veteran boxing trainer Angelo Hyder holding the pads for Alex Winwood. Source: Supplied / Alan Mcdonald Amacimages
“We put that professionalism and years of experience behind the ability and we have fast tracked him. From day one he said I wanted to do it quick and we have made that happen,” said Hyder.
“To beat a champion who’s held the title for eight years, and I think eleven defences. You are not fighting some easy beat or vacant title.
“You are fighting the longest reigning champion in the world today and that’s a feat of it’s own to even be in the ring with him but to destroy him, like I think Alex will.
“We’ve got a generational talent here, I think a superstar, and I think this country is going to get behind him,” said Mr Hyder.
Winwood will be headlining the card that will feature local talented Aboriginal boxers like heavyweight Dylan Winter, Matt Garlett and Blake Minto.
“It’s absolutely astonishing that I have been able to get to a level to create a platform to bring other Blackfullas on to a big card.
“Not just any card, but a world title stage card, and give them the opportunity that I didn’t have,” said Winwood.
Left to right: John Worsfold, Anthony Mundine, Alex Winwood, Danny Green, Des Headland and Thammanoon Niyomtrom. Source: Supplied / MichaelOImagery
On fight night, he will be joined by Australia’s most watched former Australian champions, Danny Green and Anthony Mundine; Winwood hopes the rest of the nation will also support him.
“Shout out to all my Noongar mob and the black Fullas out across the country”. I love you all. Cheer me on.” Said Winwood.
