One of Australia’s most colourful fighters is back in the sport and hunting down undefeated prospect Nikita Tszyu – a push that has been given the blessing of promoters No Limit.
Australian boxing kicks off a massive month of fights this Wednesday when the nation’s Next Big Thing Paulo Aokuso fights popular Renold Quinlan on the first of three No Limit fight shows in Sydney.
Apart from forming part of Aokuso’s push to win a world title in less than seven fights – or quicker than Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech – the card is also now set to reveal the next opponent for the younger brother of Tim Tszyu.
WEDNESDAY JULY 19: Undefeated rising star Paulo Aokuso takes on former world champion Renold Quinlan LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Speaking at Monday’s press conference, No Limit CEO George Rose revealed the winner of the Wednesday’s co-main between Jack Brubaker and Troy O’Meley will almost certainly be catapulted into a bout with ‘The Butcher’ in coming months.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, Brubaker also confirmed that after two years out of the sport, he was returning with the sole purpose of earning redemption against the Tszyu family.
Back in 2019, Brubaker famously fought Tim Tszyu at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, with his corner throwing in the towel during the fourth round as he was copping heavy punishment.
Within little more than a year, the fighter famed for his colourful personality and eye-catching walkouts had disappeared for what he now says with a grin was “to make babies”.
Asked if his decision to return was motivated by the rise of Nikita Tszyu, Brubaker told Fox Sports Australia: “That’s the only reason I’m here … to get one back on the Tszyu family.
“Right now, they’re up one-nil against me.
“But Nikita, he’s a beatable opponent.
“No Limit have done a great job in building him up, picking the right fights.
“But most of Nikita’s opponents have been beat before they get in the ring.
“They look like a deer in the headlights at the press conferences.
“No Limit put on big shows and unless you’re a big show fighter, you’re done before you even get the win.
“So, yes, Nikita has looked good.
“And he’s had hype around him his whole career, rightly so.
“But he’s beatable.
“Ben Horn showed he can be hurt … and he’s not going to be knocking me out in the first round I can tell you that.”
Asked about the return of Brubaker, No Limit CEO Rose said the Sydneysider had left the fight game too early.
“And he says he’s been away making babies – there is nothing wrong with that,” Rose laughed.
“But I think Australian boxing has missed Jack Brubaker.
“He’s a guy people remember. They know his name, his fights, his walkouts … it’s great to have him back here.
“So now we get to see what happens between Jack and Troy O’Meley.
“They’ve got this chance to put their name on everyone’s lips. That’s the opportunity they have here.
“They want to fight Nikita Tszyu so let’s see how they go, what they bring to the table.
“It’s something they both want and it’s something I’ll definitely make happen.”
WEDNESDAY JULY 19: Undefeated rising star Paulo Aokuso takes on former world champion Renold Quinlan LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
And as for a timeline?
“Obviously it will depend on how they pull up from the fight, but we’d like to put it on as soon as possible,” Rose said.
During the press conference, both O’Meley and Brubaker said they wanted Tszyu next, with the former saying: “I think the winner of this fight deserves Nikita.
“He’s been calling people out and if he’s ready to go, I’m here.”
Same deal Brubaker.
Pushed on his disappearance from the fight game, Brubaker continued: “I needed to step away from boxing to get the hunger back.
“When I was top of the food chain, I loved the sport. Was the top welterweight in the country for four years.
“But it’s a tough sport boxing.
“And against Stevie Spark (his last fight, in 2021), he had that look I’d had in previous years.
“I would throw four punches. He would throw six.
“I’d throw seven, he would throw nine.
“He did the little bit more because he wanted it that little bit more.
“So afterwards, I knew I had to step away for a while. And while I don’t need to come back and fight – I’m stoked with my career – I really see everything that happens from here as a bonus.”