Boxer to put 'big boys' on the map

Brunswick super-heavyweight boxer Michael Barrett says he wants to put the division back on the map in WA, after his win at the State Novice Titles earlier this month.

Barrett, 23, defeated David Gleeson and Phillip Warewicker to claim the title.

The Denning Boxing Gym product knocked out Gleeson in the first round of their bout at the Serbian Club on March 24 before defeating Warewicker 20-13 in three rounds at the Swan Italian Club.

Barrett said the fights were his to lose.

“I’ve been given the tools to face these types of fighters,” he said.

“It was just up to me to sharpen them and use them.

“Only I could lose them if I was hasty and burnt out to quickly. I had to box smart.”

Barrett weighs in at 97.5kg, significantly less than most of his opponents.

He has four wins from his five career bouts, including two by knock-out.

“The super-heavyweight division is mine to take,” he said.

“I’ve announced my presence in the weight division and made my full intentions and my threat real to my rivals.”

Barrett is aiming to contest the State Elite Titles later this year and win a place on the WA team which will contest the Australian Championships in Perth next February.

“I want to represent our State in the super-heavyweight division, which hasn’t been done properly in a while,” he said.

“The super-heavyweight division has not been active really.”