BALLARAT boxer Zach Robertson faces his first state title fight this Sunday, at the Reggio Calabria Club in Brunwick.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Robertson, who has a record of five wins from six fights including three knockouts, will face Bendigo fighter Boden Nelson for the Victorian Intermediate Featherweight (57kg) title.
Nelson has a record of three knockouts from three fights.
Robertson's trainer Ian Fear said his fighter was ready for the step in class for a title bout and that title fights should be a tough test.
"This is the strongest fighter Zach has fought," Fear said.
"In the last couple of weeks Zach has knuckled down and shown a bit of maturity. He is a good listener.
"Nelson is a brawler. He lets the punches go and hopes he can catch you. I'll have Zach throwing some straight punches at him. We don't want to engage with (Nelson), we want to score points at a distance.
"Zach is more of a Johnny Famechon-style boxer. If he gets into a brawl with this guy, it will be fighting the fight on his terms. Zach has quick hands and quick feet. That will be his advantage."
Robertson, 17, lost his first fight when it was stopped by the doctor after he suffered a nose bleed. Since then he has impressed with a perfect record.