Noongar champ Alex Winwood stares down another belt ahead of Friday night fight

Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross Published June 15, 2023 at 4.00pm (AWST)

Undefeated Noongar boxer Alex Winwood could wake up Saturday morning with two titles to his name - just months after his first professional fight.

The Olympian and Commonwealth Games competitor boasts an enviable amateur career before beginning to carve out a name in the big time.

The 25-year-old hasn't pulled any punches in taking on more experienced opponents, knocking out Indonesian pair Mario Bunda and Tibo Monabea in his first two pro bouts.

The latter saw him clinch the WBC International Light Fly title.

On Friday evening Winwood returns to him hometown Perth for toughest test yet, 9-0 Nicaraguan WBC Strawweight belt holder Reyneris Gutierrez.

Ahead of weight-in on Thursday evening, he says he avoids any cutting in favour of keeping things lean at all times.

"Obviously it's untested territory for me going down to this weight (Straweight), but I've made the weight quite comfortably and it's just a waiting game now until I jump on the scales.

Winwood joined fellow Aussie's the Moloney twins (Jason and Andrew) in Las Vegas in preparation for the fight.

At the gym he felt far from out of his depth while rubbing shoulders with boxing's elite.

"I'm kind of on the fast path and now they all know that…a couple of heads were turned," Winwood told National Indigenous Times.

Determined to be the fastest Australian man to win a world title Winwood is "well aware" experience is something he'll have to give up to opponents if he's going to get there.

Mario Fenech currently holds the record by getting to the top of the tree in seven fights.

With a couple of fights to work with in pursuit of going (at least) one better, Winwood's humble demeanour doesn't hide his confidence ahead of Friday's challenge.

"Strength, speed, knowledge etc., I have all over him. He (Guiterrez) can have the experience. I'm gonna have everything else," Winwood said.

"He's got the belt today but tomorrow I'll take it off his hands."

Last week, Winwood shaked off any fears over what he's seen from the Nicaraguan.

WATCH: Alex Winwood reflects on #13 ranking ahead of Guitierrez fight (National Indigenous Times)

A day out from the bout, his strategy ahead of the 10-round bout is defined by self-belief, adaptability and simplicity.

"I'll punch him in the face," he joked before laying out the plan.

"Wherever I need to be in that ring is where I can get myself."

"We're gonna test his body and once his body breaks then we're going to take his head off, with all due respect to him.

"I know that he's going to do the same to me.. Or try to, but it's gonna be the best man to win and back myself the whole way."

Winwood faces Guiterrez at Metrocity in Perth on Friday night.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.