Boxing, not brawling, the way for Sam
Sam Hogan continues his boxing education tomorrow night when he headlines a show for the first time in only his seventh fight.
Hogan was involved in what he agreed was a “schizophrenic” six-rounder against NSW brawler Daniel Durham last month.
While the unbeaten light-middleweight was pleased fans at Metro City got their money’s worth from the part-war, part-boxing lesson, he and trainer Dave Hassan will be happier with a more routine night against Victorian Terry DeHaan, a late sub, back at the Northbridge venue.
“He was an unbelievably hard hitter,” Hogan said of Durham. “He was so hyperactive that I thought he would gas out, and so I thought I would weather the storm a little bit.
“I was able to land punches at my will but he was always rushing me.
“He was scrappy, he was unorthodox, he was a bit rough, come forward. His nickname’s ‘the Bull’ and he was every bit of that.
“I got caught in the fourth round just trying to weather the storm and with hindsight I probably should have just kept moving, using my footwork, making him miss.
“I had my best round in the fifth because I started moving my feet – if I’d stood there and traded with him I was going to get caught again and be in a lot of trouble.”
That experience will be invaluable for Hogan, who took a split-decision win, as should having his name on the top of the Dragon Fire Promotions card tomorrow.
“It’s pretty exciting stuff. I’ve won all my six fights, I’m stepping up and it’s a bit rewarding, working your way up and getting a chance to headline the card,” he said.
“I wasn’t expecting that to happen so soon. There’s a bit more responsibility to make sure your preparation and training’s all good, and to make sure you keep winning the fights.
“With the opportunity comes a bit more responsibility but if you pull through and everything goes your way, you get to win over more fans and get a bit more exposure.”
Hogan turned professional after recovering from a serious knee injury he suffered three years ago while playing lacrosse.
“I played lacrosse down at East Fremantle Blues for five years through high school. Because it’s such a high-paced game I was doing boxing during the off season to maintain my fitness,” he said.
“I had an ACL knee reconstruction in 2011 and that’s what made me change from doing such a high-paced game, running all the time and different angles, to boxing. You obviously still use your footwork but it’s a bit more of an upper body sport, with your punches and movement, and a lot less strain on the knee.
“The Olympics were 2012 and I missed out on all the trials. Instead of waiting another four years to try and chase your dream, I thought I’ll turn pro now and that will give me time for my body to grow and build myself up.”
Looking ahead, Hogan is targeting a State title fight before building up to an Australian title challenge. But recent talk of a rematch Jamie Weetch, who lost on debut to Hogan last year, was quickly shot down.
“I’ve already beaten Weetch and there’d have to be more incentive for me to have a rematch,” Hogan said.
“He’d have to get his rankings up further. I don’t want to be going backwards. I’m sitting at No.10 in Australia and he’s not ranked high enough. And I’ve already beat him.
“He’d have nothing to lose and everything to gain, whereas I’d have nothing to gain. If he can move up the rankings again there might be something of interest.”
Meanwhile, Brandon Ogilvie, chasing a third win in 10 weeks, has a stiffer task than imagined after he also had a late change of opponent for tomorrow.
Ogilvie (7-1) was scheduled to take on Thongthai Rajanondh, from Thailand, who had lost his last eight.
But that fell through and now Ogilvie faces experienced NSW-based Filipino Jerope Mercado (26-6-3) for the WA State lightweight belt.
Shane Carroll who won in the first round on debut last time out, is also in action, while Ben Page and Filipo Masoe fight for the WA cruiserweight belt, and Vinnie Caruana and Steven Kennedy - on debut - contest the vacant State lightweight belt.
