Two Yarra Valley-based boxers were invited to a ring in front of 2000 spectators on Friday 28 February.
Hayden ‘H-Bomb’ Wright, who runs a free boxing club for children in Coldstream, was going to face Bowie Tupou fighting for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Silver Championship title.
However, the scheduled fight was cancelled due to Wright’s injury.
Instead of not having a fight, Wright proposed an idea to have a special match with his mate Zac Thompson at the Melbourne Pavilion.
Thompson is his NDIS client and has been training with Wright.
“(Big Time Boxing) agreed to make it a special disability fight night for me and Zac to give Zac an opportunity to perform his skills, that he’s been learning under me, on the big stage,” Wright said.
“This was an honour for myself. Giving someone that I really like as a friend and a NDIS client an opportunity to achieve his dream is a big occasion.
“I’m thankful for Brian and Mick (from Big Time Boxing) who held the event and gave us the opportunity.”
Despite being nervous about the first experience on the big stage, Zac was able to land a few big shots on the professional boxer.
Zac thanked the event organiser.
“I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.
“It was an amazing experience. I did really well and got a draw.
“I will be back to the gym, dropping more weight and getting fit.”
Wright is locked in for the Victorian Heavyweight Championships title match in June.
The opponent is to be announced.
