World title contender Liam Paro catches up with Weipa boxer Jack Barton after both fighters notched up dominant victories in the ring at the No Limit Boxing showcase in Cairns on 25 June. Photo: Supplied.
After getting his first taste of being on a professional boxing undercard, Weipa fighter Jack Barton says he is more committed than ever to turn his passion for donning the gloves into a career.
Barton impressed over four two-minute rounds on 25 June to record a dominant win against Townsville’s Alan Sherit in the No Limit Boxing showcase at the Cairns Convention Centre.
The pair traded blows ahead of the main event between Liam Paro and Jonathan Navarro, and caught the attention of more than a few big boxing industry names.
Speaking to Cape York Weekly after his victory, Barton said his hunger to turn professional after completing year 12 this year was as great as it ever had been after watching Paro and Navarro square off.
“It’s pretty inspiring just to learn how they hold themselves, how they do interviews, and then how they throw in an audience,” he said.
“Going pro – it’s a goal; it’s with the end goals.
“Hopefully, I’ll turn pro and keep going in amateur, but by the end of the year, [I’ll be] going to Brisbane and a different gym.”
One of the highlights of the night for the 17-year-old pugilist was having Tim Tszyu’s manager Glen Jennings in his corner during the bout, a connection Cape York Boxing Weipa coach Scott Wallace said he believed would open doors for Barton.
“We got to rub shoulders with Australia’s best,” he said.
“Jack got to meet them all, so, it was pretty awe inspiring; for being a grassroots boxing coach from a country town, to see how the big boys do it, there’s nothing like it.
“Glen (Jennings) saw him up close and was just blown away with some of the punches Jack was landing, and there were a lot of other boxing names there seeing just how good this kid from the bush is.”
Mr Wallace admitted getting the call-up to appear on the undercard had been a surreal experience once Barton and his entourage stepped into the Cairns Convention Centre on fight night.
“We certainly felt like we were waiting for someone to come and tell us we’ve got to get out, or for security to kick us out or throw us out on the street,” he laughed.
“It’s just one of those opportunities you hardly get as a grassroots club from somewhere like Weipa.”
Barton and Sherit are likely to square off again at Weipa Fight Night 2.0 on 19 July as boxers battle for the title of the King of the Cape.
Jack Barton is a picture of determination and focus as he prepares to step into the ring at the Cairns Convention Centre on 25 June. Photo: Emily Haire.
