AUSTRALIAN boxing favourite Paul Fleming is this week gambling “well over $50,000” on his elusive world title dream – and, potentially, a massive showdown against countryman Liam Wilson.
Only days after Tim Tszyu went global with that destructive WBO world title performance, 34-year-old Fleming is now readying for his own crossroads moment — facing undefeated Filipino Charly Suarez on a Mt Druitt card he is both organising, and funding, himself this Wednesday night.
Despite having previously appeared on No Limit shows, and more recently aligned with New Zealand promoter Dean Lonergan, Fleming is now shelling out for this latest event as part of an audacious world title tilt.
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Currently, the father-of-six is rated No.11 in the IBF super featherweight rankings.
Suarez, meanwhile, is three spots higher at number eight.
Yet with the division’s top two spots vacant, Fleming sits no more than two wins from a shot at the IBF championship belt, while defeating Suarez will also earn him an immediate crack at the IBO strap.
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Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, the Sydneysider also revealed he was willing to stage an all-Australian showdown with Queenslander Wilson for the IBO belt.
Back in February, Wilson was controversially beaten in his own WBO super featherweight bout against Emanuel Navarrete — with the Mexican star given a staggering 27 seconds to recover after being dropped in the fourth.
Asked about a potential showdown between the pair, Fleming said: “Absolutely we can make that happen.
“But it’s going to cost them.
“They can’t just jump on the back of my win here and try to get another world title shot.
“Liam’s had his opportunity. And didn’t get the job done.
“So he doesn’t get my opportunity for free.
“I’ve put all the work – and money – into this.
“So you don’t jump the line without there being a cost.
“If they want that fight, yeah, they can get it. They know where to find me.
“But I’ve also got other plans, too. And a win here puts me within reach of a world title.”
Yet to get his elusive championship shot, Fleming must first finish rising Filipino star Suarez (14-0).
“Charly Suarez is a beast,” Fleming confirmed. “Undefeated, an Olympic captain — and they’re trying to get him into a world title real quick.
“Over in the Philippines, this fight of ours is up on billboards. He’s a big name over there and they’re expecting him to win.”
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Yet Fleming also knows what he brings.
“I really do believe I’m the most entertaining fighter in Australia,” he said.
“The walkout, the interviews, the fight – nobody does it like me.
“There isn’t another fighter who puts it all together like me. Everyone knows that.
“The likes of Tim Tszyu and George Kambosos, I know I should already be among those names.
“Whenever I’ve fought on Tszyu shows previously, my fights have been as talked about as any on the card. Same as when you go onto the boxing pages, there isn’t a time where my name isn’t mentioned.
“It’s always ‘when is Flemo fighting’ or ‘why isn’t Showtime on this card’.
“It isn’t just me saying this.”
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Asked how much he was paying to ensure his crack at a world title, Fleming laughed: “Don’t even want to think.
“Sends shivers down my spine. But you can say it’s a significant amount. Well over $50,000.
“I’m really fortunate to be supported by a great team, great sponsors, but what we’re doing isn’t cheap.
“And when I get that world title shot, I will be the name on everyone’s lips.
“It is going to happen.
“All I want is to be involved in the biggest fights, wherever that is.”
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So as for his thoughts on Tszyu’s win over American Tony Harrison on Sunday?
“I thought Harrison would bring more to be honest,” he said. “And that’s taking nothing away from Tim, who is a sensational fighter.
“One of our best and a world champion now.
“But the way Harrison was talking throughout the build up, I thought he was coming with more.
“Instead, he got steamrolled.
“But it’s great to see Tim now catapulted back into that fight with Jermell Charlo.”
Asked if he missed the spotlight of that massive Qudos Bank Arena event, Fleming said: “I’d love to be on the biggest stage but I just take the opportunities as they come.
“And now we’ve put ourselves into an opportunity that will open the door to some big shows.
“I’ve always felt like I’m championship quality.
“Ask anyone in Australian boxing, I should’ve fought for a world title by now.
“Should’ve defended.
“But now finally it’s within reach. It’s all right here within my grasp.”
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