Luke Jackson and John Mark Apolinario face off over a scheduled 10 rounds for the vacant WBA Oceania featherweight title at City Hall in Hobart, Tasmania, on Saturday, March 5.

Thirty-one-year-old Jackson, who fights out of Hobart, is an undefeated three-year pro (10-0, 5 KOs) who won Australia’s featherweight title by beating Will Young via split decision last March. “Action” most recently fought this past November, stopping Thongchai Kunram by sixth-round TKO.

His 26-year-old Filipino opponent is a 10-year ring vet (19-6-3, 5 KOs) who most recently fought last December, beating Ronnie Sunido by unanimous decision. Although “Iceman” won the vacant WBO Oriental super flyweight title by beating Vincent Palicte via unanimous decision in September 2010, he twice drew against Roberto Vasquez for the interim WBA World bantamweight title (in November 2012 and March 2013) and failed in his quest for the WBA World bantamweight title, losing to Koki Kameda by unanimous decision in July 2013.

“There’s no such thing as an easy fight,” said Jackson, noting that Filipinos “all fight the same. They come forward and try to knock your head off.”

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.