It was the moment when Mitchell Clark knew he belonged as a professional boxer.
After winning his first four fights, the 20-year-old went toe-to-toe with Paul Watson, a renowned tough nut based out of Melbourne.
With his perfect record under threat, Clark showed just how powerful he can be, knocking Watson down twice in the first three rounds of last month’s fight to win it on a knockout.
The victory capped off a staggering 12 months for Clark, who moved from Horsham to Bacchus Marsh to pursue his professional career.
Under the guidance of trainer Danny Kay, Clark has gone from promising amateur to rising star in the professional super-middleweight division.
“I couldn’t be any happier with the way I’ve started my professional career,” he said.
“It’s been such a great opportunity with the coach I have here at Bacchus Marsh.
“It’s been spot on and I’m exactly where I want to be right now.”
Clark lists power and speed as his two main assets in the ring.
It would be a brave person to argue against him.
His recent knockout of Watson is the fifth fight he has won in that fashion.
Considered young in boxing terms, Clark has experience well beyond his years, having been involved in the sport since he was 11.
He thinks some of his opponents might have under-estimated him because of his age.
“A few of the fighters thought I was only a young kid and they would be able to stand over me.
“I’ve always fought people who are a lot older than me.”
The buzz surrounding Clark continues to build, with his fight card full for the next two months.
Refusing to look too far into the future, the man of the moment wants to keep working hard and is hoping to earn a shot at a Victorian title soon.
“I need to keep focusing on those short-term goals,” he said. “The super-middleweight division in Australia is really tough.
“There are some really good fighters in it. I have to keep doing my best, training hard and see how I go. I just need to take it one fight at a time.
“The Victorian title belt is the one I want to get around my waist.”
