Boxing
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GRIFFITH City Boxing coach Mario Rizzeri is backing Hiki Loseli to fulfil his potential and win a NSW cruiserweight title in Dubbo on Friday night.
Loseli will enter the ring against James Woods for the biggest fight of his career at a catchweight of 88kg.
Woods looms as a tough opponent, but Rizzeri has unwavering faith in Loseli's ability.
"There can be only one winner," Rizzeri said.
"We have learned never to underestimate anyone.
"Everyone is in with a puncher's chance.
"But Hiki is destined to win many titles."
Rizzeri said it was clear from the first time Loseli donned a pair of gloves he had talent.
"Hiki tried his hand at boxing eight years ago and quickly racked up a very impressive record," he said.
"You could tell he had the makings of a champion.
"But I guess when you're young, other distractions can get in the way."
After taking an extended break from the sport, Loseli returned to boxing this year and resumed training with Rizzeri.
The partnership spawned immediate success. Loseli's first three fights were won by knockout, his brutal punching power making it hard to find opponents in his weight division.
"We had to look at opponents who were as much as 10 to 20 kilograms heavier," Rizzeri said.
"But the outcome was still the same.
"Hiki's power in both hands has more than made up for any rust due to the few years that he had off."