On Friday the 1st of July, one of Australia’s top up-and-coming super middleweight prospects, Jayde Mitchell (7-1), will be looking to successfully defend his interim PABA Super Middleweight Title; when he takes on veteran Nader Hamdan (44-11-1) over 10 rounds on Barry Michael’s show at the Melbourne Pavilion.
Mitchell’s bout with Hamdan will be the semi-main event of the night; with the main event featuring WBC International Silver Super Middleweight Champion Zac ‘Dynamo’ Dunn (21-0) looking to further his winning streak; as he takes on Argentinean Carlos Adan Jerez (43-19-3).
Also on the card is a highly anticipated rematch between the current Victorian Super Featherweight Champion Sam Williams (4-1-2) and the former champ Shaun Thomas (2-3) for the vacant Australian Super Featherweight Title, and a junior middleweight state title bout between Samuel Colomban (23-8) and Ben Capps (13-3-2).
In an exclusive interview with Jayde Mitchell, he was able to answer some questions on his training camp for his upcoming fight, what it means for him to fight an Aussie veteran in Nader Hamdan.
First off mate, how has the training camp been so far in preparation for Nader?
“It’s been excellent. There’s been no shortage of inspiration for this fight. I could not be more inspired- getting the chance to fight someone like Nader. Training has been easy with the motivation, it’s a great opportunity.”
In this fight, you’ll get to test yourself against one of Australia’s greats in Nader Hamdan. What does the experience mean for you, and how do you think your skills will match up with the veteran?
“I think this is going to be a fight where people stand up and take notice for what I can actually do, and that I belong in there with the upper level fighters of this country. This is what I truly believe; that we’re ready for this fight. Since the start of the year I’ve decided to become a full-time fighter. This is what I want to do, and I’m going to do it properly. People are definitely going to see the improvement in my performance.”
He added:
“I love the fact that Nader is of the same mindset that I am. We’re professional fighters, there’s no emotion in it. At the end of the day we’re in there to compete and to win, there’s no quit in either of us. It’s very surreal for me; I’m a massive boxing fan, and a big fan of Nader. I remember when I was younger competing in the amateurs I’d watch Nader’s fights as a pro and just watching what a beast he was, it’s surreal to think that I’ll be fighting him as the champion, defending my title against this legend.”
If you are successful in getting past Nader on Friday, there will surely be some potentially big fights on the horizon. With the super middleweight division seen as the richest in the country, Is there anyone in the division you’d like to have a crack at, or have a potential rematch with?
“Of course Ryan (Breese), I’d love to fight him again. It’s a fight we thought we won on the night, and even Ryan thought I won on the night – his words not mine. Thing is it’s subjective – judging a fight is very subjective. Everyone has their own opinion; it was such a good fight and such a closely contested fight. It’d be a shame if it didn’t happen again. At the end of the day I’m just glad to be thought of as one of Australia’s top super middleweights.”
In the main event, Zac ‘Dynamo’ Dunn looks to continue his unbeaten streak with a victory over Argentinean Carlos Adan Jerez.
A veteran of the sport, Jerez has competed against the likes of Anthony Mundine, Saul Alvarez and Lucas Matthysse In recent years he has moved up in weight; after debuting in 2000 as a welterweight. Dunn is coming off a demolition of fellow Australian Les Sherrington (35-9), winning via TKO in the 3rd round.
Victorian Shaun Thomas will likely be rearing to get in the ring; after losing a close decision to his opponent Sam Williams in his last fight.
With the fight garnering much attention, the rematch is now for the Australian Super Featherweight Title. In the lead up to Friday’s fights, Thomas had the following to say:
“My fight preparation has been on point; and with the guidance and support of Steve Stenborg and our team at North Melbourne Boxing Gym I am ready for the task at hand. Mentally and physically we have a job to do; I’m here for a good time, not a long time!”
(Image source and credit: Marty Camilleri of Marty’s Knockout Photography)
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