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Britain's Matt Davoren is rising cruiserweight star in Australia after backpacking trip Down Under

Matt Davoren
Image: Matt Davoren has swiftly risen up the rankings after turning professional in Australia (Pic courtesy of Matt Davoren's official Instagram)

After taking a backpacking trip to Australia six years ago, Londoner Matt Davoren stumbled across a boxing career and has since become one of the rising cruiserweights in the country.

Sightseeing and sunbathing were the immediate ambitions for Davoren when he originally took a flight to Sydney, but in the last year and a half he has made a startling transition to professional boxing.

The Wembley-born 29-year-old freely admits his main interest was football, only using boxing to stay fit during the summer, although he quickly caught the eye of trainer Michael Isgro on a visit to a local gym.

I've only ever had seven amateur fights, but I was beating people I really shouldn't have been beating, people who've had 30 or 40 bouts.
Matt Davoren

"I sparred a few lads and did quite well against them," said Davoren. "After a while, they asked me to take part in a few amateur shows and I thought I would give it a go.

"I've only ever had seven amateur fights, but I was beating people I really shouldn't have been beating, people who've had 30 or 40 bouts. I won a State title as a heavyweight, which is the cruiserweight limit as a pro."

As a British citizen, Davoren could only make limited progression in the amateur ranks, which did not allow him to compete for full Australian titles, and was convinced to turn professional despite words of warning from former world champion Nigel Benn.

Matt Davoren, Nigel Benn
Image: Nigel Benn advised Davoren to pursue a pro career back in Britain

He said: "Nigel Benn lives in North Sydney and when I won the State title as an amateur, his son Conor was fighting on the same card for the New South Wales title.

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"I introduced myself to Nigel, who was a lovely friendly guy. But his one bit of advice was to go pro in Britain and not Australia. That's why I think he sent Conor back!"

The 'British Bomber' has already climbed to No 11 in Australia's cruiserweight division that includes the likes of Anthony Mundine and Danny Green, and picked up his first title in only his fourth fight.

Matt Davoren, boxing
Image: The 29-year-old holds the WBF Australasian title after his last victory

"It was something that I had never considered because I found boxing quite late and never thought that within three years as an amateur, that would be on the cards," said Davoren.

"I've only been pro a year now, started March 2016, and I've had four fights and four wins. I managed to pick up an Australasian title in my last fight, which is quite good. The opponent I fought was having his 42nd bout as a pro and it was only my fourth."

Davoren will continue to sharpen his skills in the southern hemisphere, with his next bout due to take place in August, but he could head back to Britain next year to test himself against new rivals.

Lawrence Okolie
Image: Lawrence Okolie is an exciting talent in Britain's cruiserweight division

"The standard of the top guys is good, but I don't think they have the depth of talent in Britain," he said. "The UK is probably the hub of the world now. We have taken over, especially the last two years.

"Potentially, I want to move back to England at some point. From early 2018, we will speak to a few people about opportunities in England and look to fight there."

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