Steve Gago Returns From Layoff to Make Late-Career Push Toward Title Shot

Steve Gago knocked out Zixiang Wang in the second round at Thunderdome 46 on May 31 in Metro City, Australia, earning him the WBC Australasian welterweight title.

The win positioned Perth’s Gago (14-2, 7 KOs) a step closer to fulfilling his ambitions for a world title.

“It felt amazing,” Gago said. “Winning a title like that means a lot to me.

“I didn’t expect it to go that quick. I knew he was going to be a tough guy and I was working with the coach. Southpaw against southpaw is difficult.”

The stoppage of China’s Zixiang was Gago’s second win in a 14-month span, a notable uptick in activity after a series of injuries and commitments outside boxing had previously kept Gago out of the ring for longer stretches.

“All I did was try to recover good with my proper rehab,” Gago said. “I would constantly go to my physio and my chiropractors to make sure everything was up to date.”

“I’ve fought two people in the top five in the world and I did pretty well and that’s where I thought I should try and aim to be.”    

Before the long layoff, Gago most recently fought to a decision in 2021, falling to current undefeated junior welterweight titleholder Liam Paro, who won his belt earlier this month by defeating Subriel Matias.

“He’s got a good team behind him and he’s dedicated,” Gago said of Paro. “From that fight I had with him, I learnt a lot. There’s definitely levels to the sport.

“I want to be on that level and I feel like I need to prove myself. Going 10 rounds with him, I proved to myself that I kind of belong in that area.

Along with the Australasian title, Gago’s victory last month earned him a place in the WBC’s world rankings at welterweight. At 35, he still has ambitions to one day fight for a world title while he is in his athletic prime.

“It means a lot,” Gago said of the ranking. “When I was active, I got around to the top 15 to 20 in Australia.

“In the top sanctions I think I was top 15 at one point. Now, to be WBC 39th in the world, it’s a bit of a shock to me. But I want to get into the top 10.”

With two victories under his belt since his return, Gago appears to be on the right path.

“Right now, I am a little bit older,” he said. “I’m 35, but I feel like I’m probably in my prime – not just physically but mentally as well.

“I’m a little bit more experienced and wiser. I want to get a couple more titles and at least a shot at a world title as well.”