Bunbury-born boxer Alex Winwood to fight for WBA minimumweight world title in fifth professional bout

Bunbury-born boxer Alex Winwood will be looking to claim the WBA minimumweight world title in just his fifth professional bout at HBF Stadium in Perth on Saturday night. Winwood, a finalist for the South Western Times AJ ‘Tood’ Buswell Sports Star of the Year and 2024 NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year, would become the fastest Australian to claim a world title belt with a victory, beating the legendary Jeff Fenech’s record of seven fights. Thailand’s Thammanoon Niyomtrong — a wily veteran who has defended the title eight times over 11 years — is standing in his way. Winwood, who moved to Mandurah as a child, turned professional in 2022 after a decorated amateur career which included berths at the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games. Standing 158cm tall, he was forced to fight in a higher weight class at the Olympics but has settled at a more natural minimumweight in his professional career. Speaking before the fight, Winwood said he “couldn’t be in better shape”. “When I hold up the belt and claim the title, it is probably going to take my breath away,” he said. The six-fight card starts at 5pm WA time and is streaming live and free on 7plus, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.