Brunker wants world title before Dib unification

Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor

Aussie set to face Riovalle

Undefeated featherweight Joel Brunker faces tough Mexican champion Edgar Riovalle in eight days’ time knowing that a victory could set up at least a world title eliminator with the World Boxing Organisation.

The 26 year-old has 13 knockouts in his 22 wins so far, with no losses and knows that the hardened 48-fight veteran will be no pushover as he looks to keep up his impressive record at the Orion Function Centre a week on Friday.

“Riovalle is a very tough Mexican fighter with a come forward style and a good left hook so we are definitely going to go to war,” Brunker told World Boxing News.

“My preparations has been unreal. The only slight setback was I got sick for a few days, but I think that was my body telling me I needed to rest.

“Sparring has been great and I have been working really hard on getting back to boxing, something I have gone away from in my last few fights.

“If I perform well and get the job done against him, then we will know we are ready to challenge the champions.

“I have always said that a fight with Billy Dib is a fight I want for the Australian public. It’s something they deserve to see. At this stage I am ranked #3 with the WBO and I have my eyes set on winning the WBO world title. So then no-one can say I am just after his title and we can put both titles on the line in a huge show down.”

Brunker is also hoping to make an impact Stateside in the coming months as the current WBO title holder Orlando Salido may demand a Mexico fight, unless the Aussie can negotiate a compromise in the USA.

“I think that is every boxers dream. If I get the win on July 13th the first thing I will be saying to my team is book me a fight in the States because it's where the big fights are and that's where I need to be.

“I just recently spent a month in the States sparring and I loved the competition. I believe they will love my boxing style and it is definitely the place where you make a name for yourself.

“I would like to give a big thanks to my supporters, my sponsors Forza Plumbing for their ongoing support and also Vitamin King for their assistance with my nutrition.

“I hope you can all tune into Fox Sports on July 13th and get behind team Brunker on its way to victory.”

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