Damien Hooper: I Want The Best The UK Has To Offer

"Even though there's some great boxers here in Oz, getting them to step up and fight me isn't easy," Hooper (7-0, 6KO) claims, as evidenced by the TBA status of his next opponent. "I've already had people pull out at late notice so I think I need to look further afield for a test and where better than the UK?"

Fighting in England would benefit Hooper in a number of ways. The 22-year old represented his nation in the 2012 London Olympics - even if causing a stir when at one point flying his Aboriginal roots, rather than his nation's flag - and has longed for a return. Such a fight would be easy to promoter, given it's where his promoter, Hatton Promotions is based.

"My good friend Michael Katsidis went to England to fight Graham Earl a few years back and that really helped his career," Hooper says, speaking of Katsidis' Fight of the Year-level knockout win over Earl in 2007. "[W]ith me having a Brit as a promoter, I think it would great me too.

 

"I caused a bit of controversy when I was at the Olympics, but I found London to be a great place and the people were brilliant so I can't wait to show them what I can do as a pro." 

Hooper's last ring appearance came in March, extended the distance for the first time in his young career as pitched a six-round virtual shutout over Young-Don Um.