Australia’s Liam Wilson has taken the biggest step so far in his young career, claiming a decision victory over Argentina’s Matias Rueda to vault into world title consideration.
Already number five on the WBO world rankings, Wilson saw off Rueda on all three judges scorecards, 97-93, 99-91, 96-94, to become the WBO international super featherweight champion in front of a raucous Brisbane crowd.
The win will likely push Wilson into world title consideration.
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“I couldn’t use my jab, couldn’t find my range. I felt uncoordinated,” he said.
“It was a rough night.
“I had to deal with this guy who’s a bloody big puncher and find a way to win.”
The 25-year-old said it was ‘unbelievable’ to move up the rankings, but wasn’t going to slow down any time soon.
“I want to get to America,” he said.
“Let it be known I’m coming for the best, slow and steady or whatever opportunities arrive, you guys know I won’t back down from a challenge.
“I’ll fight anyone, anywhere.”
On the undercard, Justin Hodges was victorious over old teammate Ben Hannant in a four-round scrap, and in the process has moved himself to the front of the queue to be Paul Gallen’s final opponent later this year.
“If Queenslanders want to see me knock out the dirty cockroach,” Hodges said.
“I know Gal’s got heaps more experience than me but I’ll jump in and have a go, I don’t give a shit.
“I don’t know how long I’ll last but I know if I get him, he’ll be asleep.”
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