Brisbane boxer Issac Hardman has two reasons to beat Tej Singh – to win the Australian middleweight title and silence his opponent’s trainer.
The man they call “Headsplitter” takes on Singh on the undercard to the showdown between Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni and Arsene Fosso at the Fortitude Music Hall.
Former MMA competitor Hardman, who has seven wins – six by knockout – from as many professional bouts, respects Singh, but has no time for Singh’s trainer Gerry Murphy.
“Tej is a probably a really good guy but his coach, he’s always had something to say previously with me coming through,” 24-year-old Hardman said of Murphy.
“He’s just a bitter old man who doesn’t like this young up and comer making noise.
“He’s always said I’m not a boxer, I’ve got ugly ears, which I do, but who cares?
“When I get into the ring it’s going to be super satisfying just to shut him up. He’s going to have to say sorry to Tej because I’m going to put him through hell.
“I don’t need any extra motivation to thump someone, but it’s definitely there.”
The winner of the fight will not only win the national title but also the IBF Australasian and WBO Pan Pacific middleweight belts.
Hardman’s promoter Dean Lonergan said his fighter’s job was to become the first man to knock out 34-year-old Singh, who has a professional record of 16 wins, four losses and three draws.
“If he can do that, that’s going to be a major step forward … probably six or seven fights from a world title,” Lonergan said.