Strawweight Alex Winwood is on the cusp of making history in Australian boxing. If he were to become a titleholder in just his fifth professional fight, Winwood would break the standing record held by Jeff Fenech, who became a male titleholder in seven fights over three decades ago.
Winwood will take on the longest-reigning titleholder Thailand’s Thammanoon Niyomtrong, better known to some as Knockout CP Freshmart on Sep.7 at HBF Arena, Joondalup, Australia. Niyomtrong has held his title since 2016.
“It’s something you don’t hear about too much these days—someone challenging for a title so quickly,” Winwood said. “I’ve beaten top 10 fighters, top five even, and claimed prestigious regional titles in multiple weight classes. I’ve proved I belong here.”
To add to the intrigue, Naoya Inoue, better known as ‘The Monster’ won his first title at junior flyweight in his sixth fight. The 2020 Australian Olympian Winwood (4-0, 2 KOs) immediately enters the conversation of noteworthy fighters when you are doing something that a modern all-time great has done.
Winwood initially claimed a West Australian title in his debut at junior flyweight. Winwood, 27, would then quickly pivot from a state title to the international stage, capturing the WBC International title in the junior flyweight and, in just his third fight, the strawweight division.
“We tried to push for an Australian title in my first fight, but they wouldn’t give that to us,” Winwood explained. “So we went for a state title, and then straight to the international WBC title.”
Now, he faces his toughest test yet: a seasoned champion, the 33-year-old Niyomtrong (24-0, 9 KOs) has held his title for eight years and boasts an undefeated record.
“He’s a proven champion,” Winwood said. “There’s nothing but respect from my side. It’s not like it’s a vacant title, or he’s won it in his last couple of fights. He’s proven and he’s undefeated.
Winwood has been meticulous in his preparation, even bringing in a highly-ranked light flyweight from Thailand who remained anonymous at the time of this writing, who has sparred with his upcoming opponent in the past, to emulate the titleholder’s style as closely as possible.
“We looked for the best sparring partners, and I think that’s what’s going to make the difference,” he said. “This training camp has been second to none.”
Despite fighting in the smallest professional weight class, Winwood draws inspiration from legends of the heavyweight division Roy Jones Jr. and Mike Tyson. Winwood explained how he merged his style with that of his idols.
“You take a little bit from everyone and make your own fighter,” Winwood. “I’ve always looked up to Roy Jones and Mike Tyson, and it just so happens that I’ve had the natural ability to do a lot of their moves, but I’ve created Alex Winwood—something unique, not a carbon copy of anyone.”
Read the full article here
