Five for 2016: Dennis Hogan vs. Rocky Jerkic

 
4. Dennis Hogan (22-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Rocky Jerkic (12-0, 9 KOs)

 
Rewind twelve months and this is a fight that neither team would have shown any interest in.

 
But in boxing, timing is everything, and this once unimaginable matchup could eventuate at some point this year.

 
Hogan, 30, a former national champion, almost cleaned out his backyard two divisions over, outscoring Leroy Brown, Nathan Carroll and Robbie Bryant at middleweight as well as a decision over Steve Moxon a division below.

 
The Brisbane-based Irishman almost reached the summit last time out, dropping a competitive points decision to interim WBA titleholder and decorated amateur Jack Culcay in Hamburg, Germany in December.

 
Jerkic, 27, has rarely looked troubled in his fledgling professional career, but his most recent opponent – former Australian titleholder Shannon King – highlighted some chinks in the defensive armour of the Indigenous ace.

 
Although he has failed in the past to lure big names fighters into a potential fight, Jerkic now holds the national strap, which could be enough to tempt others into a future challenge, including Dennis Hogan.

 
The likelihood of this fight eventuating will depend on what level Hogan’s team want their fighter to return at.

 
If common ground can be found between both camps; a bout between the two could take place. The general public don’t always get the domestic fights they crave, but nobody would complain if these two signed for a fight.

 
What the experts say:

 
Ben Damon, MAIN EVENT:

 
“Both of these fighters give the impression they are willing to face all-comers,”

 
“Dennis Hogan is an outstanding boxer who was far from disgraced in his interim world title loss to Jack Culcay in Germany last year. He has an entertaining style, and the heart to match.”

 
“Rocky Jerkic finally got his ‘big’ fight against Shaggy King late last year, where he won the Australian title. He would need to go to another level to beat Hogan, but his supporters claim he is destined for global success,”

 
“This would be an intriguing style match-up where Jerkic would hold a significant size advantage, but it would represent a 50/50 contest and a fascinating event.”

 
Matt Clark, Manager:

 
“I think Hogan vs. Jerkic would be a fantastic fight. Rocky is coming off a big win where he showed a lot of grit and determination and similarly Hogan showed he’s a contender with a great showing over in Germany,”

 
“Based on that, if they were to fight tomorrow I’d go with the Irishman, who has a little more experience at this point.”

 
Likelihood: 5/10

 
 
Photos: Team Sauerland/Ace Boxing Promotions