Joel Brunker wins with second round TKO

Brunker destroyed Butar Butar in similar fashion to his previous opponent late last year, with a devastating body shot to the ribs.

“It was a good shot, he wasn’t in a very good way,” Brunker said.

“I would have liked to have been able to get more rounds in from the fight but obviously happy to take the win.”

There was no rest for Brunker following the bout at Melbourne Pavillion, the world featherweight number 10 was back in the gym on Monday.

He said while there had been a lot of talk of a match up between he and former fellow Olympian Luke Jackson, his focus was more pinned on a trip to England to fight the world’s best.

“Jackson is yet to really prove himself in the pro ranks yet,” Brunker said.

“There has been talk of a fight between us in May, but the thought of it doesn’t really excite me too much.

“Jackson is looking to build his reputation in the pro ranks, that’s why he wants the fight … he needs me, I don’t need him.

“I want to focus on the big fights, and without saying too much now we are exploring the idea of heading to England for a fight mid year.”

Jackson himself had a fight the night after Brunker on Saturday in Hobart and won. He has told media outlets he has been hoping for a match up against Brunker for months.

It wouldn’t be the first time the two have faced off in the ring. Jackson has beaten Brunker back in their amateur careers.

Brunker said his main focus was to continue to climb the WBO ranks with the hopes of securing a world title shot before the end of the year.

He did say however if Jackson’s camp was able to get the right fight and the right money together he and his management would consider the bout in May.

The win on Friday for Brunker comes after his first round win against Thai opponent Soranarai Sor Bangkhru in October last year.

The former world champ, who is now working with Lincoln Hudson from the UTC Gym in St Marys, made his way back in the top ten world rankings this year.