Brisbane boxer and school teacher Jeff Horn will face an important test when he takes on former welterweight world champion Randall Bailey at the Brisbane Convention Centre on March 2.
In a perfect start to his pro career, 28-year-old Horn is unbeaten in 14 fights. He turned professional after an impressive amateur career, which included narrowly missing out on winning a bronze medal for Australia at the 2012 London Olympics.
Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech rates him highly.
His American opponent is vastly more experienced in the pro ranks, with a 46-8 career record, and is nicknamed ‘The Knock-out King’.
Horn generously took some time out from his intensive fight preparation to answer a few questions.
Why will you beat Randall Bailey?
I have youth on my side and I’ll be too fast for him. I also believe I have more skills than him as well.
What is your favourite memory of the Olympics?
Just meeting some of the famous athletes that were there, people like Lleyton Hewitt and Novak Djokovic. People that you only normally see on TV you got to walk around with and be on the same level as for a couple of weeks.
Who has been the toughest opponent in your undefeated pro career so far, and why?
Naoufel Ben Rabeh. He was very experienced and I fought him in just my seventh pro fight. It was a six-round fight that I won on points, but I learned a lot. I learned what it’s like to face a high calibre boxer, and the importance of moving my head.
He had a lightning fast jab that he got me with a few times early on, busting my nose open.
What part of your training/fight preparation do you enjoy the most?
Sparring. It’s always different, you get to face different opponents all the time.
What part of your training/fight preparation do you enjoy the least?
Heavy bag work and running, because they are both tedious and repetitive. But they are probably the most important things to do.
What is a typical day’s training for you?
I only train about three to four hours a day, but it’s at high intensity. I’ll usually do a five kilometre run in the morning followed by some shadow boxing and skipping and then about an hour of skill work. At night I do my bag work and sparring.
How do you psyche yourself up in the dressing room before a fight?
I don’t really psyche myself up. I try and stay relaxed and chilled. You wouldn’t think I’m about to fight if you saw me in the dressing room. I just like to sit there nice and calm while I get my hands wrapped, then do a warm up.
Who is your favourite boxer of all time and why?
Manny Pacquiao. He has a high workrate and knockout power. Even though he’s small he overwhelms opponents and beats the odds when facing bigger guys that people don’t think he can beat.
What is your favourite sport other than boxing?
I like watching rugby league, I’m in a tipping competition.
Who is your favourite non-boxing sportsperson?
Roger Federer, I like the way he acts on and off the tennis court, he seems like a great guy.
What is your favourite TV show?
The Walking Dead.
What is your favourite movie?
Troy, it pumps me up.
What is your favourite book?
Super System, it’s a poker strategy book.
What is your favourite food?
Chocolate and ice cream, but I can only have it once in a while. I might have a cheat meal once a week, because I have to watch my weight.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Kho Pha Ngan in Thailand where I went for my honeymoon.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for the rapid rise through the boxing ranks so far?
Glenn Rushton my trainer, all my sponsors and Duco Events my promoter.
Horn’s big test will be televised live on Fox Sports on Wednesday March 2. Tickets are also available here.
In the meantime, check out the highlights of his promising career so far.
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