Jerome Pampellone is relishing the opportunity to fight as an underdog this weekend but admits it will be a must-win fight. All that stands in his way is the big punching Mexican, Rogelio Medina.
"He's a very experienced opponent, he's probably had double the amount of fights I've had, and he's been in the ring with really good opponents," Pampellone said.
"It's a big challenge for me but it's a challenge I'm ready for."
The 27-year-old light heavyweight sensation has been training hard six days a week at the privately owned Peach Boxing gym, deep in the Henderson Valley in West Auckland.
He's enjoyed a meteoric rise since turning professional three years ago, notching up an unbeaten 17-fight record featuring 10 knockouts. He admits he's inching closer to a dream — a world title shot.
"I love being a pro and I'm not far away from that world championship. I'm just a couple of fights away."
'He's got amazing reactions'
In 2006, the rising boxing star of Caribbean and French heritage migrated to New Zealand from the UK. He attended Kelston Boys' High School where he pursued his love for rugby, but when he turned 19 he switched codes after an encounter with his neighbour, Isaac Peach.
"He was my neighbour and he never punched in his life and he turned up and ever since that day, he's just got better and better and we're not far from the big prize," Peach said.
The former fighter is Pampellone's boxing coach and believes he's got the ability to go as far as anyone in this country has ever gone.
"It's his relaxed temper," Peach said.
"He can switch from being such a nice guy out of the ring to switching on in the ring and using his emotions to his benefit. He doesn't get overawed by stuff. He's calm and he's got amazing reactions."
Coined 'The Panther' because he stalks his opponent before he takes him out, Pampellone can add another title to his name — the country's toughest tradie. After four years of an apprenticeship, he's now a certified plumber. The income helps fund his passion but also his family — especially his three-year-old son.
"It's really hard to get sponsors here in New Zealand, so that's the big goal," he said.
"If someone can jump on board and help me out so I can fulfil my boxing career and slowly come off the plumbing tools, so I can focus and become a full-time boxer and a world champion."
Pampellone's fight against Medina is on Saturday, December 2 at McKay Stadium in Whangārei. The veteran Mexican slugger has won 41 of his 50 contests.
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