Noongar boxer Alex Winwood has marked his return to the ring with a dominant first-round TKO win over Thailand's Wutthichai Montri on the Gold Coast over the weekend.
Winwood got the job done in two minutes and 18 seconds after three knockdowns in the opening round.
After the fight, he told National Indigenous Times he felt at home in the ring.
"I didn't know what to expect, I came out here to box but this is second nature to me," he said.
"This is my home, it's good to be back.
"I'm just really happy."
The fight was Winwood's first since signing with Moxie Sports Management and joining Bethania Boxing Club under coach Mark Wilson.
Wilson said the result was a solid first step after more than a year away from competition.
"First fight back after 14 months, we are pretty happy with it," he said.
"It's now about rebuilding and trying to get the support around him to get those building fights and work our way back into the world rankings.
"He's done tonight what we've been working on, admittedly it didn't go long but the whole time he was doing something."
Winwood said the night carried a familiar feeling as he adjusts to his new team.
"It was good to feel the feeling, to have a different crew around, different atmosphere, different venue and it takes me back to when I was an amateur," he said.
"I wanted to have a short night... no one was more excited than me.
"It was like beautiful music playing when I was landing those shots so I'm very happy, great win."
Agent Brent Stowers emphasised just how ready Alex was to take on the fight.
"It was supposed to be a tune-up but I don't think Alex got the memo," he said.
"I've never seen a guy so calm and relaxed before a fight.
"He was confident, he knew what he was doing and he looked fantastic."
Montri entered the bout with three wins and four losses, giving Winwood a clear platform to reset before targeting a return to the world rankings in 2026.
