Australian boxing history looms for Alex Winwood as world title fight is confirmed
Alex Winwood is set to face undefeated Thai fighter and current WBA Super minimumweight world champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong in Perth on September 7.
Aussie sensation Alex Winwood is staring down Australian boxing history after locking in a world title bout for Perth’s HBF Stadium, set for September 7.
The 4-0 Bunbury product is set to meet Thai Thammanoon Niyomtrong – also known by his ringname Knockout CP Freshmart – for the WBA minimumweight super title belt in a bid to smash Jeff Fenech’s seven-fight record to a world title set in 1985.
Niyomtrong, who boasts a 24 fight undefeated record, has successfully defended his title 11 times since claiming it in 2016.
It’s currently the longest title reign in boxing, but the Asian hasn’t fought in two years.
Since his professional debut in November of 2022, Winwood has built his CV with a TKO victory over Tibo Monabesa and unanimous decision wins over highly-rated paining Cris Ganoza and recent WBO world title challenger Reyneris Gutierrez, collecting a WBC International Title in the process.
On Saturday, Winwood was named NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year in recognition of his achievements and community impact.
Ahead of his next test, and the biggest of his career, the 27-year-old said, “This is just the start of my legacy in boxing, one that I hope Australia can be proud of and inspire the next generation of boxers”.
Winwood says his dream is “just there on the doorstep” in just his fifth professional bout.
“Life’s a dream right now, and I’m just enjoying every moment of it,” he said.
“I only turned professional under two years ago… I always want to take on the best.
“That’s what I said from the get go. But to actually be here is a bit surreal, so I’m just taking every moment as it comes, and I’m just going to get the job done when it comes September 7.”
Winwood was due to fight a world title eliminator with Mexico’s Luis Castillo in June before the bout was cancelled.
The date in September comes courtesy of promoter Dragon Fire Boxing, alongside Paradigm Entertainment, in conjunction with former world champion Danny Green.
Winwood’s world title fight is the first for a Western Australia talent in their home state since Green’s over a decade ago.
On Wednesday, Green said Winwood is the “real deal” and “without doubt” a future unified world champion and role model for the entire community.
“He’s explosive, he’s powerful, he’s very skillful. His fundamentals are second to none…He’s just got everything,” he said.
“And I think the people of Australia, when they see him, once they have the opportunity to see this young guy fight, they’re going to be as excited as I am.
Winwood’s manager Tony Tolj says his man is “destined for greatness”.
Former AFL Football player and Paradigm Entertainment director Des Headland, who broke the news of the title fight to Winwood with trainer Angelo Hyder and WA Premier Roger Cook, said the opportunity in front of Winwood to take the title at home in front of his mob gives him “goosebumps”.
“Alex is a special talent. Not just in the boxing ring, but outside of the ring as well,”
“What he’s going to do for our community, and him being a role model is huge. And to have it here on Whadjuk country, here in Perth, he’s gonna have all our mob there to support him…It’s gonna be a great event.
“Really excited for him to be in front of his family and all our people across WA and the Noongar community here in Perth.
“He’s gonna be a sensational talent, and also the next world champion and the quickest ever to do it.”
September 7th, History awaits. Tickets available on TIckemaster Australia on Monday July 15th.