Before leaving for tonight's engagement, Liam Wilson first finds a quiet corner and talks to his dad.
Scooter and Effie are the same.
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“My two dogs,” smiles this most likable Australian fighter, father and all-around good guy.
“They've been gone for several years now.
“Both of them.
“But as a kid, they were my best friends.
“So why didn’t I keep talking to them?
“Plus, it helps keep me on track.
“I think that's difficult to put into words.
“But one thing about me is that I will never forget the people who have been with me on this journey.
“That's why I told you this, but before a fight I pray, I talk to my father, I talk to my dogs.
“Because those conversations make me stronger.
“Please give responsibility to those who have been on this journey with me from the beginning…”
Back in the lounge room of his two-story US Fight Camp home, Wilson spoke to Fox Sports Australia about his final moments ahead of his world title fight against Mexican superstar Oscar Valdez in Glendale, Arizona. ing.
After all, this is the start of the biggest weekend in Australian boxing history, right?
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An incredible 24 hours as Wilson, Tim Tzu and Michael Zerafa give it their all in pursuit of a world title.
But most importantly for Queenslanders, as I said, tonight is where he makes good on his promise.
That's inside the same Desert Diamond Arena where, almost a year ago to today, Australia's Mr. Damage lost his world title to Emmanuel Navarrete and that infamous “27 second” count. That means it was.
Before the fight, Wilson promised he would one day win a world title, drawing much attention to the moment his 52-year-old father Peter, suffering from liver failure, lay dying in a hospital bed several years ago.
And…well, he was deprived of it.
But now, a year later, the 28-year-old is back to face fellow Mexican Oscar Valdez for the interim WBO super featherweight title.
If Navarrete, who is stepping up to contend for the lightweight title, wins gold and stays there, this strap could become real soon.
All of this brings the conversation Wilson had before the fight full circle.
We chat with two beautiful childhood companions, Effie the kelpie and Scooter the border collie, and the old man who shadowboxed in the kitchen of Caboolture.
One man raced an old XR Falcon through the back streets of a quiet country town, smashing through fences as police chased him, sirens blaring.
Yes, stories, moments, memories, Wilson is full of so much.
That's why he wants and needs an old man who will stay by his side, no matter how long it takes, until this promise is fulfilled.
“So, before we head out, let's talk for a bit,” he smiled.
As part of his pre-world title fight rituals, Wilson also revealed that he and his team would not wear the Mexican-style headbands they wore in their last match against Navarrete.
Just like Wilson's trunks, boots, and robes should not only be different, but also a new color.
“No, you can't wear the same colors that you lost,” says the fighter, who has only lost two times in his pro career.
But why?
“I don't know,” he shrugged.
“But I’m like that in every area of my life.
“If something goes wrong in a particular situation, you need to make sure that if that situation happens again, it won't be the same as the first time.
“When I lost to Joe Noiney[in 2021]I was wearing white shorts.
“I can't stand that color anymore.
“Even if you think about wearing white, I can't do it.”
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When asked about the super station, trainer Benny Harrington laughs. “If you go to the gym wearing the wrong socks, you should probably go home.”
“And it's not that he doesn't want to train,” Harrington explains. “But the man is very difficult.
“He wants the absolute bare minimum, like when he puts tape on his gloves.
“If you push it a little bit too much, he starts saying, 'Oh, it's too heavy.'
“I say, 'Hey, that's 0.0001 grams.'
“But he’s just that kind of guy.
“Everything has to be accurate.
“The funny thing is, in the game he loves to take risks.
“Inside that ring, Liam is just a human mongrel who wants to hurt you.”
The great thing is, that's the plan tonight against Valdez.
Right after that conversation.
So what is he going to say to the old man?
“From day one, we just talk about how we’ve been on this journey together,” Wilson says.
“And this is exactly our latest hurdle.
“And given how big the picture is, if we can’t get past this, we might as well quit… so let’s do it.”
Battle start time
Wilson and Valdez are scheduled to fight in the main event around 2pm AEDT (11pm local time). Meanwhile, the undercard begins at 9:10 a.m. AEDT (6:10 p.m. local time).
Full fight card:
Oscar Valdez vs Liam Wilson — WBO Interim Super Featherweight Title
Seniesa Estrada (c) vs. Jocasta Valle — Undisputed minimumweight title
Raymond Muratala vs. Zolisani Ndongeni — Lightweight
Richard Torres Jr. vs. Donald Hainsworth — Heavyweight
Emiliano Vargas vs Nelson Hampton — Lightweight
