Jack Asis considering move up to lightweight

 
JACK Asis is considering moving to lightweight in a bid to chase a second world title.

 
“We’re giving it serious consideration,” said Asis’ trainer and manager Brendon Smith.

 
“It’s a big decision and one we won’t take lightly,”

 
“Jack is a world champion in the super featherweight division and I believe he has the potential to become a two division titleholder. We haven’t had any challenges for Jack’s IBO super featherweight belt,”

 
“We’ve tried to make things happen,” reiterated Smith.

 
“Last year we were deep in negotiations with Billy Dib – but boxing became irrelevant for Billy – with the sudden illness and passing of his wife. I’ve also reached out to contenders in Africa, Asia, the UK and USA,”

 
“However, for one reason or another we haven’t been able to land the big fight,”

 
“We need to look at our options,”

 
The 32-year-old Asis has been out of action since June, where he scored a hard-fought split decision over Indonesian import Hero Tito at Rumours International in Toowoomba in an eight round non-title fight.

 
Despite holding the IBO super featherweight title – which the Toowoomba-based Filipino picked up last April – Smith admits that a move up could prove to be tempting for his fighter, who is yet to defend his world title.

 
“There is a lot happening at lightweight and there could be plenty of opportunities for Jack,” added Smith. “However, we haven’t ruled out remaining at super featherweight, all options are on the table.”

 
“We will weigh up our options and make the best decision for Jack and his future.”

 
“If Jack makes the move to lightweight he is penciled in to make his return to action in April or May,”

 
“That’s the time frame we are looking at and there is a huge possibility it will be here in Toowoomba,”

 
“Jack is a huge draw card and loves fighting here in Toowoomba so it would great if we can make it happen.”

 
While Smith is yet to enter negotiations with any parties, he admits that Asis’ next fight will be a big one.

 
“Whatever Jack’s next bout is, it will be the most important of his career,” he admitted.

 
“If we move to lightweight it will be a bout against a quality opponent that will hopefully move him a step closer to contending for another world title,”

 
“It’s well within reach for another fairytale chapter to be added.”

 
“Jack has the talent to be a two division world champion.”

 
 
Words: Press Release
Photo: Louie Abigail/Photography by Rockfingrz