‘I know this opportunity was destined for me’ Tanaka Saburi on first state title fight at Thunderdome 54
This Friday night, Dragonfire Promotions holds its second event of the year at the Metro City Nightclub.
In the Thunderdome 54 main event Michael Bazley looks to capture state title glory, as he takes on Damien Johnson in what promises to be a blockbuster heavyweight showdown.
On the undercard, rising prospect Tanaka Saburi takes on Nepal’s Bikash Rana for the WA State Light Welterweight Championship.
Since debuting in March of 2025, Saburi has built a reputation as one of Perth’s most exciting boxers.
With momentum coming from a victory over Mahendra Chand earlier this year, the Perth based fighter says that he is ready for his biggest fight yet.
“The hard work has been done,” Saburi said. “I came straight back to the gym after my last fight, I didn’t really take a break.
“I’m excited to show that I belong amongst the top 10 fighters in the country.”
Saburi’s most recent outing against Chand marked a major step forward in his development. Not only was the fight his first against an international opponent, but it also resulted in the first stoppage victory of his career.
While pleased with his performance, “TSABZ” believes that it could have been better with an earlier finish.
“We followed the game plan perfectly and [Chand] did exactly what we prepared for,” Saburi told.
“The stoppage was amazing, but I still feel like I could’ve finished him earlier. This time I want to put it on him from the start, I’m there to finish the fight.”
Saburi’s rise through the ranks has been unusually quick, as despite taking up boxing in his early 20s, he finds himself fighting for a state title in only his fourth professional fight.
The Aussie credits his strong mentality for his rapid progression.
“I’ve always believed that if you put in the hard work and you’re grinding, anything is possible” Saburi said.
“It’s rare for someone to fight for a state title this early, but I know I’m ready. There’s no need to wait, I know this opportunity was destined for me.”
The lone defeat on Saburi’s record came in his professional debut against Devon Kelly, in what was a competitive fight that could have gone either way.
When asked about how he views that encounter, Saburi said that the fight served as an important learning experience.
“When I look back [on the Kelly fight], there’s a lot I’ve improved on,” Saburi admitted. “My footwork, power and boxing IQ have all gotten better, I don’t rush my punches anymore.
“My cardio has improved tremendously too. Back then I don’t think my gas tank was where it needed to be, but now I’m sparring 12 rounds nonstop without getting tired.
“For a four round title fight, I know I’ll be ready.”
As for his upcoming opponent Bikash Rana, Saburi expects a dangerous and aggressive challenge from the Nepalese fighter, who has never been stopped professionally.
The Perth based fighter has done his homework on Rana and will be prepared for the onslaught coming on fight night.
“We’ve studied [Rana] a lot,” Saburi said. “He just fought two months ago, so there’s only so much he can change.
“I know he’s coming in to represent Nepal and make his country proud, so I’m expecting him to come in aggressively.
“He likes to swing and bring pressure but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I’ve sparred bigger punchers before.
“He’s never been stopped before but if the opportunity arises, I can change that.”
Although Saburi remains fully focused on Friday night, he already has ambitious plans for the future. Activity is a major priority, with the Aussie determined to stay busy throughout 2026.
“I want to stay consistent and keep fighting regularly,” Saburi stated. “If it’s possible I’d love five or even six fights a year, but I trust my coach and manager to guide me in the right direction.
“If I win this belt, then I want to test myself against the best over east and eventually become one of the top contenders in Australia.
“From there, the goal is to become number one in the country and then start fighting internationally.”
For now all eyes are on Thunderdome 54, where Tanaka Saburi has the chance to announce himself as one of Western Australia’s best young fighters. Western Australia divides its sporting attention between codes through the year, and readers who follow the cricket among them can compare the cricket betting markets we cover.
