Damien Hooper – “I’m not getting caught up in trash talking”
SINCE entering the paid ranks, Damien Hooper has always struggled to find willing opponents.
Hooper, 22, has made relatively easy work of most of his opponents to date, adding some flashes of sheer brilliance when combined with his electrifying speed have lead Hooper to seven knockout wins in only eight professional fights.
The lack of willing opponents recently changed when former world rated light heavyweight Joel Casey took to social media, saying some distasteful comments about the undefeated prospect in order to secure a fight that few had interest in seeing.
With time the feud progressed and now we have a fight on our hands.
The ten round title fight will take place tonight from Jupiters Hotel and Casino, where the pair will clash for Hooper’s WBC Youth Silver light heavyweight title as well as the vacant WBC Eurasian Pacific Boxing Council strap.
Casey, 30, is seen by many as a solid yardstick to measure Hooper’s progression. Despite having a modest professional record (15-13-3, 10 KOs), Casey should in most eyes test Hooper in some capacity as he has faced some quality operators at both light heavyweight and super middleweight.
“I’m always motivated to be better than my last fight and keep on improving, but Joel clearly has no respect,” said Hooper in an exclusive interview with Aus-Boxing. “But I’m not getting caught up in trash talking, because I want to set a good example for the sport he can keep acting the way he is it doesn’t affect me at all.”
“My trainer Gareth Williams and I have ensured that I’ve had the best preparation and I feel complete as athlete and as an individual. I’m very confident in myself and my trainer too.”
“I think it’s brilliant that Joel Casey has called me out to fight him. For some reason he believes he looks good by the way he’s acting. I couldn’t care less because when it comes to the crunch it’s your hands that do the talking,” Hooper continued. “He’s got more experience in a professional ring and I respect that. But I’m just happy to have a fight and he’s the perfect opponent for me,”
“It’s hard to get fights in Australia but no disrespect to the rest of the Aussie boxers in my division, I wish them the best of luck in their careers.”
Tonight’s fight against Casey will be Hooper’s second in three fights to be televised nation-wide on Fox Sports. The last time the Aboriginal ace was seen on television was in March, when Hooper was surprisingly tested by the durable Young-Don Um. Many expected Hooper to blast the South Korean out, but he ultimately had to settle with a points win.
Hooper sees this as a positive and feels that he is a better fighter for the overall experience.
“That was a good hard fight for me and I’m glad he never gave up,” Hooper explained. “He taught me a lot of things as a professional and I’m continuing to learn everyday – it never stops – the most important lesson I learnt is no matter how ready they are to go, you always need to be protective of yourself.”
Hooper’s progression through the domestic ranks has been heavily aided by his promoter, Hatton Promotions. The UK-based promotional outfit has worked tirelessly in conjunction with Hooper’s co-managers Brendan Bourke and Matt Clark in order to showcase Hooper on cards all across the country.
The big-punching former Olympian acknowledges the role his promotional and management team have in his career and is clearly thankful for their support.
“Hatton Promotions have been very helpful and I’m very thankful for their continued support,” Hooper acknowledged. “Brendan Bourke and Matt Clark are my managers in Australia and they have been there every step of the way on my journey. They have a plan and have ensured that I reach my goals.”
“I fight hard to make sure all parties are happy as they are important in my career and I trust them and I think that’s the important part.”
“I’m a very proud Aboriginal man, my culture means a lot to me, the feeling of being accepted anywhere I go for who I am as an Aboriginal man and being respected is a great feeling,” Hooper said. “I’m so in love with traditions and the way my people are, I love representing and showing that I’m proud because it continues the tradition, awareness and gives a bigger voice for my people.”
Hooper also took the time to acknowledge his heritage – as he has shown in the past – he is incredibly proud of his Indigenous culture and looks to promote the livelihood of his culture and background on a regular basis.
“I use my boxing profile to attend to my people’s needs in regards to health and awareness. We need to make changes as it is estimated that the average Indigenous person lives fifteen years less than non Indigenous person.”
“There’s some very touchy subjects to comment on, but I believe as a individual I play a small role in my people’s movement in becoming healthier and prouder. That’s why I raise the flag and that’s why I fight hard For myself and my mob.”
Photo: Damian Brierty/Visual Delight
