Exclusive: Australia’s Jude Grant Targets WBC Grand Prix Spot
Australian middleweight Jude Grant ended 2024 on a high following his impressive victory over veteran Fano Kori last November, and Grant aims to continue his rise up the ranks when he takes on China’s Shi Hong Jun in the headline bout of Dragon Fire Boxing’s Thunderdome 49 on Friday, March 14.
“I’m super pumped. It’s good to have something to look forward to and, you know, see the next target. I’m super excited to be back on March 14,” Grant said, speaking to Boxing Daily.
Since turning professional in 2022, Grant has steadily built his skillset and polished his resume with each fight. The Perth-based fighter is a natural entertainer who relishes performing under the bright lights.
His upcoming bout against Jun will be the second successive Dragonfire card he has headlined. There is always extra pressure on any fighter when his name is on the top bill, even more so for up-and-coming prospects still finding their footing in the sport.
However, Grant came through his previous fight with flying colours and trusts himself to do the same in March.
” You know, there are certain doubts, but doubt is eliminated by action, and I back myself to get through it no matter how difficult.”
While no title will be on the line in this fight, a significant prize is still on offer. The WBC has announced a Riyadh Season Grand Prix, created for fighters under 26, with fewer than 15 bouts under their belt.
The featured weight categories are Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight.
The Grand Prix will take place over five events throughout the year, and Grant and his stablemate Joel Lewis have been nominated by their manager, Tony Tolj, for the tournament. An impressive showing against Su could help book Grant a trip to Saudi Arabia.
” I feel so grateful, so blessed to have opportunities like this continue to pop up. It’s up to me to make the most of them; I’m fully aware of that.”
Grant knows that to make the most of his chances; he needs to remain fully dedicated to his craft, which should not be a problem for a fighter who appreciates the sport of boxing in all its facets.
“There are not many sports that are as punishing as boxing, but at the same point, there are not many sports as rewarding as boxing,” he explained.
“So having [ his team], being able to push me to work harder, train harder, forcing me to learn more about myself, and so [I] grow as a person, not just a boxer.”
It may not be long before Grant’s name starts popping on fight cards with greater frequency, but when it does, with the amount of work and dedication he has put in, no one should be in the least surprised.
