09.08.07 – By Tony Nobbs: Heading a six bout bill by leading promoter Jamie Myer, Australian super middleweight boxing champion Les Sherrington (16-4, 10 KO’s) makes his second defense against Victorian veteran Sean Connell (10-10-2, 4 KO’s) over ten rounds at the Southport RSL on Friday night.
23 year old Sherrington, who stands 6’0, is in his second reign, having first won the boxing title by knocking out Arama Tabuai in two rounds in November 2005. He then lost it to Jamie Pittman (KO by 4) in March ’06 and then recaptured the vacant belt after Pitman won the WBF title, in February on a technical decision over Sonni Michael Angelo, and has made one defense, a KO 1 over Sean Quagliotto. Danny Mc Grail trained “Sherro” was in action last just two weeks ago a KO 2 over Thai Yodchainoi.
Connell, 38, trained by Greg Grogan, is a former Commonwealth Games boxing representative who has been in good company as a pro. In May he lost a 12 rounder for the WBF title in Belguim against Lansana Diallo and in his last start dropped a technical decision to S.M Angelo in June.
I caught up with “Young” Les, who was born in Townsville, North Queensland, but now lives at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, at today’s press conference. Here’s what he had to say.
Tony Pritchard – Nobbs: Les, what do you expect from Connell tomorrow night?
Les Sherrington: He’s a very awkward opponent, tough, plenty of experience. He’s been boxing for 20 years so I’ll definitely learn something, I hope to get some rounds as my last two fights haven’t gone long.
TN: Who have you been sparring recently?
LS: Wayne Parr and Max Marriconte
TN: You were basically Anthony Mundine’s sparring partner for his last two fights. Tell us about that experience.
LS: It was everything you could imagine. Every second I was in there with him it was great. I took so much out of it. It wasn’t over whelming, I grew every session. It was the best sparring you could get. We had some great sessions, we got stuck into it some nights. He’s a great fighter.
TN: There has been talk of a possible bout with Choc in the future (providing he fights again). Realistically how long until you think you could match “The Man”?
LS: 12 to 18 months. I don’t want to go into just fight him. I want to go in to win. But that’s a long way off yet, a lot more fights until then. He’s a good bloke. I hope he can keep fighting.
TN: You suffered a few losses early days (all knockouts). What have you got out of that?
LS: I can come back. I’m a fighter. You know, I only started boxing at 18. I fought Arama in my first fight and got knocked out in one round in my home town (Townsville). Then I beat him for the Australian title, getting off the deck in the first round to do it. I got knocked out by Jamie Guy (6 rounds) then knocked him out in one round. Losing to Jamie Pittman was the best thing possible. It woke me up. I was starting to read my own press, thinking I was this and that.
TN: You are now a full time fighter, previously being a laborer working long hours and then having to train and make weight. How good is it?
LS: Awesome. Just to get up and go for a run. Have a rest through the day and train. Not feeling lethargic some days before I have to spar.
TN: There’s been some talk concerning Porky Lovett, that you are afraid to fight him. Tell us your side.
LS: Mate, I fight who ever, where ever. I have a promoter, Jamie Myer. With Porky, I agreed to fight him in his home town but he pulled out three months before the date, saying he couldn’t make weight. I don’t really believe that was the real reason. Then he pulled out of another fight with an injury so I don’t know when or even if he will ever fight again. My weight is super middleweight. I’m looking forward to some big fights in the future but I have to beat Sean tomorrow night first. I don’t think it’s really worrying about a fight with Porky because I doubt he’d get to the post.
TN: Thanks Les
LS: Sweet as. Anytime.