“Punches in bunches brother, punches in bunches.”
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Yass boxer Spider has a straightforward boxing mantra, but it certainly seems to work for him. The combat sport stalwart is preparing for his last fight of the year, against Dmitri Pats at Wanda Surf Club today, and he reiterated the importance of this approach as he prepares for a bout at light-heavyweight, one division above his usual class.
“I’ve got a decent work rate, that’s what I rely on,” he said.
“With plenty of movement, because as they get bigger they hit harder usually.”
Fighting in the higher weight classes is not unusual for Spider who, as a small man at 5’6” tall, has almost always fought bigger opponents than himself.
“I should be fighting at 65 kilos,” he said.
“I fight at 75 kilos because there’s no fights at the lower weights. I’m not bragging or anything, but I have confidence in myself and I back my ability to be able to not get hurt.
“I’m happy to go out there and have a tussle with the boys at that weight.”
As far as Pats’ fighting style is concerned, Spider is unsure as to what he can expect, as the only video of his opponent that he has seen had the fight ending within the first round.
Due to this relative sense of unknown about his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, Spider will rely on his versatility to change his approach if need be.
“I don’t present myself as the same fighter every time, I try to give different versions of myself, depending on what you’re like,” he said.
“So I’ve gotta expect that he’s probably capable of doing exactly the same thing.”
The fight will provide a memorable sign-off for a busy year for Spider. The 45-year-old has fought eight times so far in 2018, with Friday’s bout to be the ninth.
“I had ten fights last year … I probably fight more than the young fellas you know,” he said.
“I stay pretty busy. I don’t think I’m any good, but I do enjoy it.”
The fight will be followed by a comparatively quiet period for Spider. Although he still intends to train up to four times a week, he will not take any further fights until most likely March of 2019.
“I can’t stop, because it’s too hard to get back [into fighting form],” Spider said.
“I won’t be looking at trying to take a fight until probably March at the earliest.”
The layoff is critical for Spider, who will no doubt look to continue his heavy workload in 2019.
But before he looks too far ahead, he must first focus on the challenge that is Dmitri Pats, his ninth fight in a year full of victories in and out of the ring.
The fight is promoted by Joel Keegan of the Umina Beach PCYC.