100 seconds was it all took for undefeated Aussie featherweight Joel Brunker to make his mark on the American boxing fraternity and he is already looking to make a triumphant return to the US.
The 26-year old secured a first-round knockout of his opponent Carlos Feulgenio in stunning fashion in New York last Saturday.
In his US debut, Brunker wasted little time. He delivered a devastating left hook to Feulgenio’s body early and it was all over. The Dominican couldn’t make the 10 count and the fight was halted after just one minute and 40 seconds.
It was the fastest knockout of Brunker’s professional career, which now stands at an impressive 24 wins from 24 fights.
Brunker was elated with the win and the reception he received from American fight fans.
“I didn’t expect to get the win that fast but I put it down to amazing preparation and desire to make a lasting impression in American,” he said.
“I planned to attack the body [of Feulgenip] hard. I would have liked to have gone a few more rounds to settle in and show the American fans what I can do, but I think I made the impression I wanted with a first round knockout. I think all the hard work my team and I put in really showed in that fight.”
“The crowd gave me a nice ovation when I came out and after my fight. They’re great fans in America.”
Brunker had been training in the world centre of boxing, Las Vegas, for two months before the bout and clearly relished the experience.
The former Olympian is going places. He has signed with Gary Shaw, also the promoter of fellow Aussie Daniel Geale, and is expected to be on the undercard of the Geale-Anthony Mundine blockbuster in January.
Brunker is tipped to face Orlando Cruz, who recently came out as the world’s first gay boxer, in a world title eliminator. Brunker is ranked number three in the world by the WBO, Cruz fourth, and the winner could face champion Orlando Salido.
If the match is made, this will be a bout that will receive a fair amount of international attention.
The Richmond-born fighter is excited about fighting on the huge Geale versus Mundine card.
“This will be a great card to fight on, as I think this is going to go down in history as one of the biggest fights in Australia and will be a pleasure to be part of it.”
After making an impression in the US, Brunker is already looking to return to the States.
As boxing’s biggest market, it is the place to be. He says the feedback from his American debut has been good.
“It has been really positive, they said they liked the way I fight and want me back there ASAP. If all goes to plan I should be back there after the Geale V Mundine card.”
Joel Brunker – remember the name. This young fighter is on the rise.
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