Having tasted success in Victoria, Bacchus Marsh boxer Mitchell Clark returned to his home state of Western Australia recently for a new challenge.
Clark, with a 10-1 record, including winning the Victorian State super middleweight title earlier this year, took on Aswin Cabuy for the Western Australian state light heavyweight title.
The trek across the Nullarbor proved a long trip for what turned out to be a short fight.
“I knocked him out in 48 seconds,” Clark said last week. “I was really shocked.
“It was like I walked out into the ring and had to walk straight back out.
“It’s a great result to get the state title.”
The result doesn’t come as a surprise to those who know Clark.
He spent his first 10 years living in Perth before moving to Horsham.
Two years ago he moved to Bacchus Marsh to train with Danny Kay and pursue a professional boxing career.
Clark also trains with IBO world title-holder Zac Dunn.
While juggling an intensive training load, Clark still works part-time.
Despite being just 21, Clark has accumulated a big reputation. He has won nine of his fights, either by knock-out or technical knock-out.
“Everyone has been a lot older, at least six years.
“They’re starting to realise I’m not here to play games,” Clark said.
“I want to do this for a living, and I’m working hard to achieve that.”
His one loss – his first attempt at the Victorian State super middleweight title – came via a points decision.
That fight proved one of the biggest challenges of his short career.
“I lost over eight rounds after busting my knuckle in the second round.
“I was unhappy with how I went in the rest of the fight, but I made him fight for it.”
Clark doesn’t have to wait long for his next fight – he headlines the Once Upon a Time fight night, hosted by Team Ellis.
He will take on Clint Alderton for the Victorian light heavyweight title.
“I just want to continue to try and have great success,” Clark said.
“I want to try and travel around Australia, as the biggest key is getting myself known. By being known, you get more opportunities.
“I’m looking at definitely heading back to Perth early next year, and I might even look at going to New Zealand.”
The Once Upon A Time event will be at Melbourne Pavilion on August 26.
