Anthony Mundine: “I’ll do what I have to do to get the victory”

 
AT this stage of Anthony Mundine’s storied career, every fight he signs for is a must-win.

 
His latest assignment against the dexterous Charles Hatley on Wednesday night in Melbourne is no exception.

 
Mundine, 40, will need to put a strenuous year of postponements, failed negotiations and injuries behind him in order to keep his dreams of an elusive WBC world title alive.

 
Hatley, 29, is a relative unknown to the masses but boasts a proven amateur pedigree – which includes a national championship and selection as an US Olympic alternate – making this fight all the more dangerous.

 
If Mundine’s words are anything to go by, a successful first defence of his WBC Silver title on Wednesday night will be an ideal way to close out a forgettable year that began with so much promise.

 
While his mind appears to be firmly affixed on the task at hand, it is clear that the rescheduled and later scrapped assignment with long-time rival Austin Trout still lingers.

 
“Obviously it was a huge set back,” said Mundine in an interview with Aus-Boxing.

 
“It set me back six months, you know what I mean,”

 
“If I had of got that win under my back I felt I would have got some great recognition.”

 
The World Boxing Council (WBC), who currently have Mundine listed as the fourth rated contender, recently announced that a tournament will take place to crown their light middleweight champion.

 
Given that the only confirmed names appear to be American duo Jermell Charlo and John Jackson, Mundine (47-6, 27 KOs) admits that he needs a win to keep his name in contention.

 
“I think so, I think definitely,” he explained. “I mean, Jermell Charlo and John Jackson should be in there and maybe the winner and the loser of Cotto versus Alvarez will be in this as well. It’s a great opportunity.”

 
As for Hatley (25-1-1, 17 KOs), Mundine believes the outcome of the fight is simply down to him. In his eyes, Hatley is cut from the same cloth as the aforementioned Trout, meaning he is well prepared for his American foe.

 
“Charles (Hatley) is ranked a place or two under Trout in the American ratings – so this guy is a clone of Trout – he is probably a bit more of a boxer than Trout,”

 
“He is a very similar fighter – so this will be a great test – I know I’m going to pass it with flying colours.”

 
“I’m going to go back to my old ways you know; hit and not get hit. He is gonna be hard to tag but I’ll be ready to adjust my game plan. I know I can box, but I can fight too,”

 
“You watch, I’ll be on the front foot and I’ll be on the back foot too,” concluded Mundine.

 
“I’ve learnt a lot over the years. I can adapt to whatever is necessary and I’ll do what I have to, to get the victory.”

 
 
Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images