Balance key to McGowan title hopes

Women's pro boxing takes centre stage at the WA Italian Club tomorrow with Erin McGowan banking on an improved “lifestyle balance” to help her regain world honours.

Two years ago McGowan suffered a brutal beating against arguably the world’s No.1 pound-per-pound women’s fighter in Belgium’s Delfine Persoon.

Now she is facing another former title-holder, NSW’s Arlene Blencowe, with the Women’s International Boxing Association lightweight belt at stake.

“I suffered a bad loss in Belgium, I took the fight at short notice and cut weight and ended up suffering a pretty big head concussion,” the 33-year-old said.

“I had been fighting internationally for about 13 years and I needed to change how I went about things.

“Boxers are extreme people but you can only push your body to the limits so often. I now realise rest is just as important as hard work. I’ve also brought in meditation ... I suppose it’s about lifestyle balance.”

Blencowe, who has two children aged 13 and six, will expect to have the edge in power as a natural welterweight, while McGowan believes her speed will hold sway.

McGowan and Blencowe ready for action. Pic: Kim Johnson/WA News

CDL Boxing co-promoter Ty Colman says having a women's world title fight headlining the Western Alliance 15 show is an indication of its growth.

"Women's boxing in Australia is on the rise, we've got numerous world champions and female talent is unbelievable," he said.

"It's probably been overlooked but these days it's getting the coverage. And there's quite a lot of talent to still come through the ranks."

Paul Fleming will look to extend his 18-0 record after a 19-month lay-off. Pic: Kim Johnson/Hitman Photography

Also in action tomorrow are three touted indigenous prospects - unbeaten Sunshine Coast super-featherweight Paul Fleming plus local talents Nathaniel May and Brandon Ogilvie.

Fleming (18-0), is ready to resume his flourishing career after an enforced 19-month lay-off.

"There can be no mistakes, I've got two kids, one on the way and Christmas is just around the corner," Fleming said.

Nathaniel May is coming off his first title win - and a "slap around the ear". Pic: Kim Johnson/Hitman Photography

May, now operating down at featherweight, reflected on his last outing when he won the WBO Asia Pacific Youth super-featherweight title despite being docked a point for a retaliatory punch below the belt.

"Yeah, my trainer Peter Stokes and Ty slapped me around the ear afterwards and told me to stay in control," the Bunbury 19-year-old said with a smile.

Ogilvie is back with his original trainer Peter Wilkenson after a six-month spell with Craig Christan and "Fox" says the lightweight is banging harder than ever.

"He's been sparring heaps and done a lot of technique work and getting on the front foot," he said.

"We're looking at a big year next year, he won't be doing anything less than eight-rounders (after Friday)."

Brandon Ogilvie is back in the Fox's den. Pic: Kim Johnson/Hitman Photography

FULL CARD

Lightweight: Erin McGowan v Arlene Blencowe (10 x 2)

Super-featherweight: Paul Fleming v Angky Angkotta (8)

Featherweight: Nathaniel May v Patomsith Pathompothong (8)

Lightweight: Brandon Ogilvie v Roy Tua Manihuruk (6)

Light-heavyweight: David Letizia v TBA (6)

Cruiserweight: Daniel McGlashan v Walter Pupu'a (4)

Super-middleweight: Liam Vernon v Samuel Ballantine (4)