Luke Jackson on Nouldy Manakane, Homecoming fight in Tasmania

 
AFTER years spent fighting away from home, reigning Australian featherweight champion Luke Jackson will fight for the first time as a professional in front of his home fans in Tasmania.

 
Jackson, 30, will face former WBA world title challenger Nouldy Manakane at the City Hall in Hobart on August 1st.

 
“It feels great to finally have the opportunity to fight in front of my family, friends and supporters,” said Jackson in an interview with Aus-Boxing.

 
“I have a big support crew that has continually flown interstate to watch me fight, now I get the chance to pay them back with a fight at home. I made it very clear to my team that this had to happen after I won the title.”

 
Jackson (8-0, 3 KOs) was originally scheduled to face Manakane (29-17-2, 18 KOs) last December.

 
But in a bizarre sequence of events, Jackson ended up facing Manakane’s brother, Ruben, who Jackson outpointed unanimously over eight relatively one-sided rounds.

 
“I was scheduled to fight Nouldy Manakane in December last year,” explained Jackson. “Four weeks before the fight he pulled out and was replaced with his brother, Ruben.”

 
“This fight will be a tough test for me because Manakane has fought some very good fighters,”

 
“I know he will come to Tasmania hoping to win,”

 
“His walk-up style will suit me as I enjoy fighting that way, I asked my team for a solid opponent and that’s what they delivered.”

 
As he has done for previous camps, Jackson has based himself out of Sydney for a five-week training camp under the tutelage of renowned trainer, Billy Hussein, who has trained Jackson since he turned professional.

 
“I believe I have the best coach in the world in Billy Hussein,” said Jackson.

 
“I know he will have the perfect game plan for me to be victorious,”

 

Working today with coach Billy Hussein at #BodyPunchGym #August1st #HomeComing @MeekMill pic.twitter.com/FBlBUwJYP6

— Luke Jackson (@LukeJackson) July 13, 2015

 
“I will spend five weeks here in Sydney and then Billy and I will come to Hobart seven days before the fight to finalise our preparation. It will feel amazing sleeping in my own bed the night before I fight,”

 
“There are many of my family and friends that haven’t been able to afford to come and watch me fight,”

 
“It’s not cheap flying interstate then booking hotels and other expenses, so I’m happy I can let them all have the chance to see me fight at least once,”

 
Despite not having fought in front of his home fans in the paid ranks, Jackson appears undeterred by the pressure that comes with fighting in front of family, friends and those that are close to him.

 
“Fighting in your home can be a positive or a negative if you get caught up in it,” Jackson quipped.

 
“I remember we had Olympic trials in Hobart three years ago, even though I won the gold medal I made the mistake of trying to please everyone and fighting the wrong style,”

 
“Life is all about experiences and I have learned from that mistake and I will focus solely on myself and what Billy Hussein tells me to do.”

 
A fighters temperament often changes with the ebbs and flows of training camp. There are good days and there are bad days, but for Jackson the entire camp is an invaluable learning experience in itself.

 
“My training camp has been going tremendous, I feel I’m improving as a fighter every time I come to Sydney and train at Bodypunch Gym,” continued Jackson. “There is so much depth here and I get pushed everyday,”

 
“My coach Billy and I have a great bond and I feel so comfortable with him, It’s amazing how this guy can read a fighter and a fight. He sees things before they happen,”

 
“I’ve learnt so much from him not only about boxing but also about life. He has helped me become a better fighter and a better person.”

 
“I want to thank everyone that has helped make this show in Hobart possible. My promoter Adam Wilcock and my great friend Grant Brown who has helped with the promotion and my training while I’m in Hobart,”

 
“Also my manager Mike Altamura, my coach Billy Hussein, my sponsors and everyone in Tasmania that has supported me over the many years and have bought tickets to my homecoming fight.”

 
“This is for you all.”

 
 
Photo: Wildman Photography