The challenge comes as the local trainer prepares six of his fighters for a jam-packed card of entertainment this weekend in Wagga, with Rizzeri still confident his fighters have the talent to have their hands raised, given their raw ability.

But Rizzeri was quick to warn all of his fighters that natural talent will only take you so far.

“It’s very sad to see potential wasted because of a lack of commitment and discipline,” Rizzeri said.

“Some of our current boys seem to have the drive, Jack Simpson travels from Narrandera to train and he’s going to be one to watch in the future.

“He has a natural flair about him and is he maintains his dedication anything can happen.

“Joel Hester is another promising boxer and Brett Staines is another to watch.

“Young AJ is all-heart and tough as nails and I hope he doesn’t waste all of that energy and potential. Troy Riggs has shown lots of courage and his commitment will pay off for him.”

Rizzeri has sung the praises of Hiki Loseli for a number of years, but said now he has recovered from a shoulder operation, he needs to aim up to the standard required.

“Hiki should have by now definitely been Australia champion,” he said.

“He has missed out on two state titles and the only person that is standing in his way of becoming a future Australian champion is himself.

“Boxing can be cruel to you if you lack preparation and dedication but the cruellest feeling of all is waking up when your 40 and realising you’ve blown it because you wasted the prime of your life.”

But the six local fighters will be out to silence the critics this weekend, with Staines and Riggs having a good chance to tune up with two tough bouts in Sydney last weekend.

Riggs in the 57kg weight division and Staines in 72kg fought vastly larger and more experienced fighters in exhibition bouts when their scheduled opponents failed to show.

WE’RE READY: Griffith City Boxing is ready to rumble this Saturday in Wagga with (from left) Joel Hester, Troy Riggs, trainer Mario Rizzeri, AJ Burns and Jack Simpson in good shape ahead of their respective bouts.