Melbourne’s very own ‘Wild’ Will Tomlinson (24-2-1) is gearing up for battle once more; as he prepares to take on Indonesia’s Hero Tito (21-11-2) on Brian Amatruda’s May 20th card this Friday night.
The former IBO Super Featherweight World Champion is hoping that a win here will propel him towards a domestic showdown with Sydney’s Billy ‘The Kid’ Dib (40-4).
In an exclusive interview with Boxing News and Views, ‘Wild’ Will Tomlinson was able to answer a few questions about training camp, the experience with fighting under Golden Boy Promotions, and a potential domestic super fight with some of Australia’s top lightweight contenders.
In your most recent victory you had to really dig deep against an opponent who was extremely competitive for the entire fight. How has the training camp been so far, and has preparation differed in any way?
“It’s been a good camp; we’ve been at it for about 8 weeks now. I’m putting in all the hard work, and I’m ticking all the right boxes so hopefully it all comes together on the night. I didn’t feel that my last fight was my best performance. I had a great camp this time round to ensure I can produce a phenomenal “Wild Will” punch-on and put a great show on for the crowd.”
(Some of Will’s best moments thus far, hat tip to bhsboxing for the upload):
Signing with Golden Boy Promotions may be seen as the biggest move in your career thus far. How did the opportunity arise, and how has the experience been we asked?
“3 years ago when I decided to make the move it was a big opportunity to go to America and work with arguably the biggest boxing promoter in the world. They were very honest and open, and willing to do business with me so I signed the contracts.”
He continued:
I had some good nights, some bad nights, but overall it was a great experience and I got to do s*** I used to dream about as a kid like fighting at the MGM Grand, fighting on HBO and doing deals with Oscar De La Hoya himself. All in all I’ve got some great memories with Golden Boy.”
With the Aussie lightweight division currently full of talent, with fighters such as George Kambosos, Brandon Ogilvie, Josh King and Billy Dib all in great stages of their respective careers, is there anyone in the division who you would like to take on?
“First things first I’ve got to get over Tito next Friday night, get a good win there and put a good performance on. Then I’ll look at my number 1 on the hit list, Billy Dib. Billy and I have a very public rivalry, and I’m hoping that sometime later this year we can get in the ring and sort out our differences as fighters.”
Tomlinson’s May 20th bout against Hero Tito will be supported by a range of some of Australia’s finest pugilists, including twin amateur sensations Andrew and Jason Moloney, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Luke Jackson, former Aussie welterweight champion Tim Hunt and the current Victorian junior welterweight champion Cameron Eyes.
Melbourne promoter of the May 20th card, Brian Amatruda, believes that Tomlinson cannot underestimate his opponent come Friday night:
“He’s gotta get over this fight first, which is not a walk in the park. This guy is good; he’s a tough kid and will come to fight. You’ll find that Friday’s fight will be a real fight. Will is out to make a statement. He wants to give the fans a proper Will Tomlinson fight; he really wants to put on a performance.”
When asked on any potential future fights that are in the works, Amatruda stated that:
“Will is booked to fight Josh King on the 19th of August, however if he doesn’t beat his opponent on Friday he won’t be fighting Josh. After that we’re looking at Billy Dib in November. As everyone knows they don’t like each other, there’s no doubt about that. They’re only fighting because they have a genuine dislike for each other, and I believe it’s a proper grudge match that the fans want to see.”
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