Boxing is set to return to Gunnedah with Bad Intentions 7, hosting professional and amateur bouts at the town hall this Saturday night.
The event will showcase the local talent from the Black N Blue boxing gym with Enja Prest and Albert Nolan the two professionals ready to put on a display for what should be a sold out show.
Prest will headline the card against Pam McClelland (1-0) in a six-round NSW State Female super-welterweight title fight. Currently 1-1 in her career, Prest lost in controversial fashion in her last hit-out, beaten by Sydney’s Ella Boot by unanimous decision at the Star Casino.
Australian boxing legend, Jeff Fenech, who was part of Fox Sports’ commentary team on the night, claimed the fight was much closer than what the scorecards showed and many believed the fight should have been a draw. Nevertheless, Prest is excited for her return to the ring.
Although dropping down to welterweight to face Boot, Prest has been forced to move back to super-welterweight with McClelland unable to make the maximum 66.67 kilogram limit. Prest, however, is unbothered by her opponent’s request.
“I’m just doing my own thing,” Prest said.
“I feel confident at the weight I am at the moment, I’m going to come in a bit lighter than she is but I’ll still fight and be disciplined no matter the weight.”
While the prospect of clinching the first title of her career, Prest is determined on staying at welterweight for the foreseeable future and will weigh in tomorrow night just above the welterweight limit to ensure she is staying consistent with her fight weight.
Nevertheless, Prest is confident heading into her first title fight in front of a home crowd.
“It has been a good prep, I’m a lot more relaxed and it’s been a lot less stressful, having that secure date,” Prest said.
“The last fight in Sydney, the date was changed like six times and it did have an emotional toll on us to a degree.
“Our training has been at a higher pace and the aim is to control the ring and speed of the fight.
“It will be good to step back into the ring again and having it in front of the home crowd will be phenomenal. The support we’ve had frrom sponsors and the community has been outstanding.”
Meanwhile, stablemate, Albert Nolan has joined Prest in camp as the pair train with David (Spike) Syphers.
Nolan, who remains undefeated at 2-0, is looking to improve on his split decision victory against Lee Fook last April at the Gunnedah Town Hall.
“My mindset has been a lot stronger this preparation,” Nolan said.
“I’m feeling good and a lot fitter and I just can’t wait to get in there.
“Since the last fight, I’ve beenfocusing on my fitness and getting my mind straight.”
Nolan will face Chris Oliver (1-7) and while his opponent’s record is nothing to write home about, he holds knockout power.
Oliver hails from Brisbane and in 2019 he brutally knocked out then-undefeated Adrian Farquhar at the Brisbane Covention Centre in the first round.
Nolan is wary of his opponent’s power but is confident in his ability to win the fight.
“I will be looking to box in the first couple of rounds and then I’ll be waiting for something to open up later on and look for a stoppage,” Nolan said.
The first fight of the night will start at 5pm with doors opening at 4pm.
The weigh-ins for the professional bouts will be held at the Railway Hotel with amateurs weighing in on Saturday morning at the Town Hall.
