Promoter tips May ready
Nathaniel "Cheeky" May is a fighter whose name is on the lips of everyone in WA's boxing industry, but the Bunbury boxer's rise to the world stage has just begun.
Last week May was officially signed on by one of Australia's most prominent boxing managers, Mike Altamura and his company MJA Boxing, who confirmed May would fight for the vacant WBO Oceania Featherweight Title in August.
It was also announced yesterday May is ranked 15th in the WBO featherweight world rankings.
Almatura has already swung into action, confirming May will fight for the title in Eaton, with an opponent yet to be determined.
"Right now I am looking at a couple of fighters from Indonesia and a couple from Thailand," Almatura said.
The moves are part of a plan to help May take the next step - the world stage.
Almatura said he would not have signed May if he did not think he could take him to the next level.
"There is a great opportunity to take him abroad," he said.
"He has a fighting style which I believe a wider audience will love.
"Nathaniel is an outstanding young athlete. He has the composure of a seasoned fighter, not a 19-year-old."
May said he was excited to sign with Almatura.
"He's one of the biggest names in Australia," he said.
"I am hoping he gets me shots at more titles and fights in America."
May said signing with Almatura was the right move for his career.
May's trainer Pete Stokes said Almatura was the best in the business.
"Almatura can get him on good cards and fights overseas," he said.
Stokes said May would be taken to a new level ahead of his next challenge.
"This will be the hardest 10-week training camp yet, both physically and mentally," he said.
"His agility and speed is phenomenal, but we can make it quicker."
Earlier this month May won his second WBO title, defeating Lloyd Jardeliza for the then vacant WBO Asia Pacific Youth featherweight title in what was called a war.
In that fight May was knocked to the floor for the first time in his professional career, with Jardeliza catching him in both the third and fourth rounds.
Stokes said he was glad "in a way" May was tested.
"It showed he has a chin," he said.
"That makes a big difference."
