They have dug deep, battled illnesses and stuck to a grueling training schedule, now this Saturday three fighters from No Limits Gym in Richmond plan to show the nations capital what they’re made of.
Matty Jackett (20) from Glossodia, Dylan Bowen (20) from Kurrajong and Adriano Schettini (26) from Richmond all face bouts in the MFC 20 fight night in Canberra this weekend and trainer Jason Naylor is confident in his team.
Despite having a number of boxing fights under his belt, this will be Jackett’s second kickboxing bout coming off the back of a win in Cooma in February.
Schettini, who has a Mauy Thai and kick boxing background, will face his third boxing match on Saturday, while Bowen steps into the ring for his first ever fight in a kickboxing bout.
“The determination and mindset over the last six weeks has been fantastic,” Naylor said.
“There has been no complaints or slacking off during this time when at times training has been challenging.”
Jackett’s preparation was hampered after being struck down with the flu for a week recently, but having fully recovered the 20-year-old fears nothing heading into Saturday’s fight.
“I’m feeling fit and ready,” Jacket said.
“My plan is to get in there, move around more and box with him.”
Schettini is coming off the back of a split decision loss in his last boxing fight in Manly in March, but is confident in his training and preparation leading up to this weekend.
“I have to move a lot … this is the main difference between boxing and Mauy Thai,” he said.
“Mauy Thai is far more static, you kick, you check and kick stronger. Like a chess game.
“Boxing is quicker.”
For Bowen the chance to have his first kickboxing match this weekend is exciting, despite the fact he predominantly trains in boxing.
He said the adjustment in class is no concern however, with future dreams of one day taking to the cage for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).
“The coach says I’m ready,” Bowen said.
“My strengths are my hands, so I’ll get in there and give it all I have.”
Naylor said he has been pleased with each of his fighters’ dedication to preparing for their bouts this weekend and is confident each of them can come away with a win.
“I am proud of what they have achieved, the way they have pushed through boundaries and consistently carried themselves through this journey,” Naylor said.
“Matty is good with his hands so is going to need to draw on that skill, Adriano knows he needs to get in there and move and Dylan’s switched on when it comes to his hands and fitness,” he said.
The MFC 20 fight night kicks off at the Erindale Vikings Auditorium in Canberra from 7pm on Saturday.
