Jason Delisle: Tough as Nails

03.05.06 – They call him the “Nailer” and on May 13 the 33 year-old Aussie intends to live up to his reputation when he faces IBF Light Heavy Champ Clinton Woods in Sheffield England. Having already faced Woods in an IBF Eliminator 18 months ago Delisle is confident he has the Wood on his opponent. Delisle dropped Woods in the opening round of their first encounter and gave him trouble at various stages of the bout before the ref stopped the fight in the 12th round. This time around there is a major difference ; the last time they faced each other it was Jason’s first fight out of his home country in a fight he had 4 weeks to prepare for.

This time round Delisle has been preparing since December when manager Stuart Duncan informed him that there was a likely chance of a rematch in the first half of 2006. Since then Jason has been seen regularly running 5 to 10 km’s in the morning with his 18 month old son harnessed to his back. “I was motivated last time I travelled to England, however this time I know I am 100% prepared and Woods will not know what hit him”.

Trainer Dino Billinghurst said preparation for this fight has been sensational with quality sparring against Paul Briggs – Sam Soliman – Sakio Bika – Victor Oganov and others. Jason was confident last time we went over to England, however this time its for the IBF World Title and it has seen Jason’s level of confidence reach new heights. He has had 4 weeks of work in preparation for this fight and we are confident we know how to counter his Clintons style and how to stop him. I am tipping this to be the upset of the year, in my time in boxing both as a participant & as a trainer – never have I seen an individual as motivated as Jason is now. He wants the fight to happen tomorrow and is happy to be fighting in front of the English crowd again. We were treated well by Clinton and his team last time and are appreciative of the opportunity to fight him again.

Manager Stuart Duncan confirmed that Delisle is primed for the fight of his life knowing full well that this may be his last shot at a World Title. Jason knows he can hurt him and doesn’t intend to leave it up to the judges. This is the best I have seen Jason both mentally & physically said Duncan. Like when I had Sam Soliman fight Ray Joval the second time, Sam entered the fight knowing exactly what to expect and how to conquer it. Jason has the utmost of respect for Clinton who has given him a second chance.