Vegas' sights set on first pro titles

Rising star Vegas Larfield, who trains at All Star Boxing Academy in Lawnton, will climb into the ring this weekend chasing his first boxing belts.

The 19-year-old from Brendale faces Luke Martin on Saturday with the ANBF (Australian National Boxing Federation) and Australasian featherweight belts on the line.

It will be Vegas’ fifth professional contest, having stopped four previous opponents, in less than eight rounds and be rated one of this country's most promising fighters.

Martin, 28, from Cooroy, has had five fights, winning one, but all four defeats have gone the distance and were decided on the judges’ scorecards.

“This (fight) has come a bit quicker than we thought,” Vegas’ manager Phil Murphy, from Oxmar Properties, said.

“It will be over 10 (three minute) rounds, which Vegas has never done before, but he is looking very, very fit.

“(Luke) Martin’s fights are always close, so it’s a challenge and very exciting.”

Larfield’s preparations have “ramped up” ahead of the two-title fight, trainer Ben Harrington said.

“Vegas is only 19 and to get a title fight like this is a big deal,” he said.

“He’s training hard, doing more (sparring) rounds, we’re working on conditioning and preparing for a tough fight.

“I know Luke (Martin). I’ve taken him to Ireland to fight in the past. He’s a good guy and tough.”

Larfield's pro fight record is impressive have beaten Ricky Hunt (Rd1), Juan Flores (Rd3), Jared Fisher (Rd1) and John Min (Rd3) in 20 months. 

All have been in Queensland but for the victory over Flores, which was at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Larfield’s title fight against Martin is on the undercard of highly-rated Jacob Ng’s lightweight clash with former world champion Billy Dib. The winner will close in on a world title fight.

The Ace Boxing promotion, on March 19, will be at The Star Casino on the Gold Coast and broadcast by Fox Sport. Tickets via Eventbrite.