By MATT NICHOLLS
ARMIDALE’S high altitude could be the catalyst for Australian heavyweight belt hopeful Bowie Tupou as he maps out his path to the top of the country’s boxing ranks.
After spending six years in Las Vegas where he battled the top prospects in the United States, Tupou has returned to Australia to take aim at the title.
His Armidale manager Mark Low said the 31-year-old Tongan fighter was now entering the prime of his career and expected him to win his bout against Junior Maletino Lakopo on the Gold Coast on Friday night.
“When he came to Armidale he was around 136kg and needed a bit of work,” Low said.
“But he put in the hard yards and is now around 120kg, which is ideal.”
Tupou’s strength is his power, however Low and his trainer Billy Finn have worked on his speed and mobility.
Gold Coast promoter Jamie Myer said Tupou had the ability to be rated among the best boxers he had paraded on his fight nights.
Kali Meehan, Paul Briggs and Michael Katsidis have all fought in Myer-organised bouts and the the promoter believes Tupou could reach similar heights.
His fight at Jupiters Casino will be his first appearance since losing by a knockout to Bryant Jennings in Philadelphia a year ago.
Tupou also lost by knockout at his previous fight against Malik Scott in Oakland.
But now, back in Australia with his family, Tupou is ready to start making waves again with a record of 22 wins (16 by knockout) and three losses.
“He has the potential to be among the best I’ve promoted,” Myer said.
“He can bang and people want to see that, so hopefully we have a guy who can produce.”
If he wins on Friday night, Tupou will take aim at the Australian heavyweight belt before setting his sights on a world title.
The former Penrith Panthers junior has a career record of 22 wins and three losses, with 16 wins by knockout.
