By Liam Napier
A victory in Brisbane could see Kiwi Gunnar Jackson make a big move in the WBO rankings on a card televised in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
Middleweight champion Gunnar Jacks on will lead the charge as two Kiwis attempt to make the most of valuable exposure on the undercard of Alex Leapai's comeback fight in Brisbane this month.
Jackson (19-5) will defend the WBO middleweight title he secured in May against Australia Kurt Bahram (13-4) over 12 rounds on October 24.
A victory could see him edge close to the WBO top-10 ranking on a card that will be televised in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
"It should get us close to a top-10 ranking with the WBO," Jackson said. "If we can get that and another fight by the end of the year we should be sitting in the top 10 and then wait for a challenge from the top guy.
"It is good to get back on a big card and get back into the ranks. If I fight well, do what I have to do, it should get my name out there."
Jackson's name is notable in Australian boxing circles after he put up a credible fight over 10 rounds against Anthony Mundine - a bout he took on nine days notice.
"It's a good fight for Gunnar; a fight we believe we are going to win and one that will help him get up the rankings with the WBO," trainer Chris Walker said.
"There's also a lot of good middleweights around so it will make Gunnar popular in Australia."
The 28-year-old, who is putting the finishing touches on a seven-week training camp, is confident he can overcome Bahram's height and reach advantage.
"I've heard from a couple of fighters who have trained with him that he's tall and does the basics really well. We'll stick to our game plan and take it to him.
"His height won't be a problem. We'll be well prepared for that. I've got some sparring partners that are taller than him."
Tauranga stable mate Anthony Taylor (7-1), a former Commonwealth Games representative, also appears on the undercard.
It will be the budding welterweight's second-biggest show, having fought in the lead-up to Shane Cameron's title challenge with Danny Green.
"Anthony is an exciting fighter to watch," Walker said. "There's always plenty of action. He's strong, aggressive and has good skills. This is a good opportunity to see what he's got."
In the main event, Leapai (30-5) takes on tattooed American Malik Scott (36-2) in his first fight since being dominated by world champion Wladimir Klitschko in April.
"I hoping Alex comes away with a knockout," Jackson said. "I'm sure he's training hard to try and topple this guy."
Leapai has vowed to knock out Scott and get his career back on track after his disappointing challenge against Klitschko in Germany that ended with him on the canvas in the fifth round after failing to fire a shot.
It's a defining fight for both fighters with Scott looking to bounce back from losing to unbeaten American Deontay Wilder.
Scott isn't looking far for inspiration. One of his tattoos is an image of Jack Johnson the first black man to win the world heavyweight title back in 1908.
"Jack Johnson won his fights using brains, not brawn," Scott told Brisbane's Courier Mail newspaper.
"He beat guys with scientific skill and skill-wise I don't believe there is a heavyweight who can match me.
"You look at Alex Leapai's career and he is great at knocking guys out who stand and slug with him but anyone who fights him with intellect can outbox him.
"My friend Kevin Johnson did that in Brisbane two years ago and Wladimir Klitschko did that in their world title fight.
"I give Alex a lot of respect. But this is the most important fight of my career. I'm coming off a loss and I want to get back to the top of the heavyweight rankings.
"I believe I can become the world heavyweight champ and Alex Leapai is standing in my way."
