The next step in Liam Wilson’s (10-1, 7KO) path towards a world title shot has been confirmed, with the Australian super featherweight to take on Argentinian star Matias Carlos Adrian Rueda (37-1, 32 KO).
The fight will be Wilson’s first time as a headline act, with the event to take place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 29 and will be shown live on Fox Sports.
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Wilson is coming off a second round knockout victory over Joe Noynay, exacting revenge on the Filipino star who came into the bout well over the weight limit for their division.
The win shot Wilson up in the world rankings, as he now sits at No. 6 with the WBO and No. 15 with the IBF.
However, the Queenslander wants to continue rising up the rankings and to do that, he must get past Rueda, the world No. 8 and a man who has not lost since 2016.
It will be Wilson’s toughest challenge to date, but he and his team know that these are the types of fights he must take on if he is to prove he’s worthy of becoming a world champion.
“Me and my team have identified that I need to have these hard fights to be able to perform,” Wilson said.
“I need my instincts to kick in. I need to feel threatened. I need to feel fear. That will make me perform to the best of my abilities.
“This guy has that, he has the x-factor, big puncher and I’m excited to see what he has to offer and I’m excited to show him what this Australian can bring as well.”
Wilson claimed he had already seen holes in Rueda’s game, but believed that he has qualities that no-one else in his division can match.
“I believe I have something that these fighters can’t match,” Wilson said.
“That’s my intesnity, my willingness to win. I just believe these guys can’t match it, even at the top level.
“I’m happy to test it and that’s what I’m doing. I’m testing it against a high calibre opponent and I’ll do that again and again until I’m world champion.
Also featuring on the card is former NRL star Justin Hodges, although his next opponent is yet to be announced.
The Queenslander did name drop Paul Gallen as one fight down the line that he could be interested in fighting.
“I think he’s the big fish when you look at rugby league players and what they’ve been able to achieve,” Hodges said.
“You’ve got to take your hat off to him. I know a lot of people bag him and criticise him but he’s been wonderful for the sport.
“Gal’s always someone that you want to test yourself against. Like I said, he’s probably the best in terms of rugby league status.”
Hodges also called out another footy great, but of a different code.
“Big Baz, Barry Hall, that would be a massive opportunity for me,” Hodges said.
“He went the distance with Gal, so let’s see where I’m at. If I can’t beat him, well then there’s no chance of me ever fighting Gal. So that’s something I’ve got to work towards.”
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