Perth’s Steve Gago Clinches WBC Australasian Welterweight Title with Knockout Victory
In a thrilling bout at Thunderdome 46 on May 31, Perth-based boxer Steve Gago (14-2, 7 KOs) secured the WBC Australasian welterweight title with a second-round knockout over China’s Zixiang Wang in Metro City, Australia.
The win marked Gago’s second victory in a 14-month span, showcasing his resurgence after a series of injuries and commitments outside the ring had previously kept him out of action for extended periods. “It felt amazing,” the 35-year-old Gago expressed. “Winning a title like that means a lot to me.”
Gago’s performance was particularly impressive given the southpaw-on-southpaw clash. “I knew he was going to be a tough guy, and I was working with the coach. Southpaw against southpaw is difficult,” he acknowledged.
The knockout of Zixiang has positioned Gago a step closer to his ultimate goal of a world title shot. “I’ve fought two people in the top five in the world, and I did pretty well. That’s where I thought I should try and aim to be,” Gago stated.
Prior to his recent resurgence, Gago had faced a Junior welterweight titleholder Liam Paro in 2021, falling to a decision. “From that fight, I learnt a lot. There’s definitely levels to the sport, and I want to be on that level. I need to prove myself,” he reflected.
With the Australasian title and a place in the WBC’s world rankings at welterweight, the 35-year-old Gago remains determined to make a push for a world title opportunity while in his athletic prime. “I’m a little bit more experienced and wiser. I want to get a couple more titles and at least a shot at a world title as well,” he said.
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