mgkirkpatrick
02-13-2009, 02:30 AM
SOLOMON Haumono will undergo a gruelling schedule of 10 fights in the next year to prepare himself for a tilt at a heavyweight world title.
Haumono recently split with Anthony Mundine's Boxa Promotions, frustrated at the lack of opportunities offered to him.
Instead, he has employed promoter Jarrod Frykberg, the son of television supremo Ian, to set his path to an Australian title - and then the world.
"I know the chances are getting thinner for me," the 33-year-old said.
"This is absolutely a make-or-break year for me.
"That's how I've processed my thinking.
"I want to be very active this year.
"If it's not 10, it will be close to it."
Haumono begins his arduous journey on February 21 when he fights New Zealander Oscar Talemaira in Moree.
While Talemaira was once knocked out by Australian heavyweight champion John Hopoate, he is the first stepping stone
in Haumono's attempt to earn more ring time this year.
And it will be his first bout since splitting with Mundine, although he insists there is no animosity between the former league players.
"I pretty much wanted to have control of what I do," he said.
"That's where I'm at right now.
"We're still good friends.
"My wife is his first cousin.
"It goes beyond us.
"He's doing his thing, I'm doing mine.
"For whatever reasons, I respect Anthony.
"He's helped me in a way.
"I'm glad I'm finished that chapter.
"Now I'm moving on doing my thing."
Haumono's plan is to gain as much experience in the ring this year under the tutelage of legendary trainer Johnny Lewis.
From there, he will attempt to claim Hopoate's vacated national heavyweight title.
Haumono recently split with Anthony Mundine's Boxa Promotions, frustrated at the lack of opportunities offered to him.
Instead, he has employed promoter Jarrod Frykberg, the son of television supremo Ian, to set his path to an Australian title - and then the world.
"I know the chances are getting thinner for me," the 33-year-old said.
"This is absolutely a make-or-break year for me.
"That's how I've processed my thinking.
"I want to be very active this year.
"If it's not 10, it will be close to it."
Haumono begins his arduous journey on February 21 when he fights New Zealander Oscar Talemaira in Moree.
While Talemaira was once knocked out by Australian heavyweight champion John Hopoate, he is the first stepping stone
in Haumono's attempt to earn more ring time this year.
And it will be his first bout since splitting with Mundine, although he insists there is no animosity between the former league players.
"I pretty much wanted to have control of what I do," he said.
"That's where I'm at right now.
"We're still good friends.
"My wife is his first cousin.
"It goes beyond us.
"He's doing his thing, I'm doing mine.
"For whatever reasons, I respect Anthony.
"He's helped me in a way.
"I'm glad I'm finished that chapter.
"Now I'm moving on doing my thing."
Haumono's plan is to gain as much experience in the ring this year under the tutelage of legendary trainer Johnny Lewis.
From there, he will attempt to claim Hopoate's vacated national heavyweight title.