Damien Hooper – “I’m just itching to go overseas and fight”
DAMIEN Hooper and his team are used to struggling to find willing opponents.
However, in recent times, this has changed. Former world-rated light heavyweight Joel Casey was the first local fighter in recent times to publicly state his desire to fight Hooper – although he didn’t last long.
The next in line is respected kickboxing identity Rob Powdrill (3-1, 0 KOs) who will challenge Hooper (9-0, 8 KOs) tonight for his WBC Eurasian Pacific Boxing Council light heavyweight bauble from the Chandler Theatre in Brisbane.
“I knew the Joel Casey fight wasn’t going to be that tough just from seeing clips of him,” said Hooper in an exclusive interview with Aus-Boxing. “Joel had nothing I haven’t seen before. He fought with his emotions picking a fight and being a bad sportsman for no reason,”
“But he gained attention and I’m glad people got to see me fight him after that to put him back in his place. My performance that night was just a glimpse of some of the things I can do. It’s hard to fit everything in one fight, I just can’t wait to continue to have more great performances.”
Hooper, 22, was originally scheduled to face durable Ghanian Joseph Kwadjo. However, Hooper’s team, lead by Hatton Promotions and trainer Gareth Williams from The Boxing Shop were forced to scramble for a last minute replacement when Kwadjo was denied a visa from his residence in Fiji.
“I think Joseph Kwadjo should be respected as a fighter and I wasn’t taking him lightly as he has knockout power and a lot of experience,” Hooper added. “I can’t wait to get a challenge off him in the future, if the fight can be made again.”
As for Powdrill, 30, Hooper believes the talented kickboxer isn’t giving him the credit he deserves.
“I think he (Powdrill) is taking me too lightly. Yes, he is very experienced kickboxer but this is boxing. And it’s a different what he’s used to. I can’t wait to fight him as he’s keen and willing to fight so it should be a good fight,”
If Hooper is successful in his title defence tonight, he assumes a move abroad to fight will be on the cards at some point. Hatton Promotions have been eager to showcase Hooper’s talents in both the United Kingdom and Canada, making the move abroad almost inevitable.
“Fighting overseas is not too far away, my management, my team and my coach obviously wanted me to get used to the pro game first, but I’ve started to pick it up pretty fast,”
“I’m feeling confident and strong and the correct steps are being taken, thanks to my promoter and management team at Hatton Promotions, who have been a blessing.”
When asked if the change of opponent caused any disruptions to his preparation, Hooper, the consummate professional admitted that while it was frustrating, he is more focused on what he brings to the table rather than concentrating on what his opponent may or may not do.
“There are similarities between the two they both come forward and want to trade inside,” Hooper explained. “Kwadjo is a bit more advanced and it has been taken on board, but I’m feeling very confident in my ability and skills in this fight. My game plan will be easy for me, I’ve just got to turn up in the right head space on the night.”
“I think my last three fights have been good learning curves for me. First it was the tough Korean who I banged it out with and he never went down.”
“I learnt a lot and took it to my next two fights against Webb and Casey. I just had to slow it down and not let the excitement take control and let my ability as well as my boxing experience take over – rather than just punching on – but hey, I love a good punch on every now and then.”
“I’m just itching to go overseas and fight and take my team world wide. I want to win some quality titles against some quality opponents,” Hooper said in closing. “Australia hasn’t got the biggest following for boxing, but I’m keen to go wherever all the noise is and put on some great performances, representing this country and look to maybe bring some big fights here.”
Photo: Hitman Photography