Brad Hore – The Olympian turns Pro!

By Young Runyon: Eastsideboxing.com recently caught up with two-time Olympian Brad “The Pocket Rocket” Hore. After representing Australia at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, Hore thought he had had enough of the fight game. It wasn’t until his Commonwealth Games opponent Don Broadhurst contacted him and told him he was moving “Down Under” that Hore’s fire was reignited. He will make his debut on July 27th at the Sands Hotel, Maroochydore over 6 rounds.

Q. Brad, firstly thanks for taking the time to speak to Eastsideboxing.com.

A. Not a problem, thanks for having me.

Q. You had a long and distinguished amateur career, what made you decide to turn professional?

A. 18 years as a amateur is a long time! Why now have I decided to turn professional? The challenge and I still believe I can give more to the sport.

Q. How did you become involved in boxing?

A. I used to play Rugby League the other boys were growing and I stayed pretty small, so dad took me down the the local Police Citizens Youth Club for some confidence.

Q. Growing up, who were your major influences? Did you follow boxing as a kid? Any favourite fighters?

A. I was a big fan of Lionel Rose and also Kostya Tszyu.

Q. Tell us about your amateur career. You’ve represented your country many times. What are some of the highlights? How many amateur fights did you have and who were the best boxers you fought?

A. Highlights were probably two Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games. My fight in Athens was still one of the best fights I’ve had. I was happy with how it went. I’ve had 212 fights for 175 wins. I would have to say that the best fighter I’ve ever gotten in the ring with was Yuriorkis Gamboa, from Cuba. The punched like a Middleweight!

Q. You’re currently training out of The Boxing Shop gym in Brisbane under head trainer Gareth Williams. Tell us about Gareth and some of the boxers that are training at the gym.

A. I’ve known Gareth for many years now. I believe he has one of the best, if not the best, boxing gyms in Australia. He is a thinker and he’s always coming up with ideas and game plans. He is there for you always as a mate, both in and out of the ring. At the moment we have a really good professional team, including “The Don” – Don Broadhurst. We push each other 100 percent. Other professionals include Paddy Murphy, Kane Cassells, Liam Hutchinson and Anthony Fowler. We also have Damien Hooper, who is off to London for the Olympics, in a few weeks

Q. You’re a two time Olympian and Commonwealth Games representative. How do you see Australia’s Olympic boxing team going in London this year? Do we have any medal prospects?

A. I’ve got a good feeling about these Games coming up. I really believe we can come home with two medals this year. One in the 60kg and one in the 81kg divisions. They are in good hands, with two good coaches that have helped me throughout my career.

Q. Give us an insight to what you’re doing in the gym at the moment. What does training consist of?

A. At the moment I’ve been doing a lot of sparring with Don and we have that working on the little things… Making sure we are throwing the punches with the correct technique and looking after my weight as well.

Q. What do you know about your opponent, Dave Smith from Toowoomba? Have you seen him fight before?

A. I don’t know much about Dave Smith at all. All i know he has had 9 more professional fights than I have! I’ve heard reports that he is preparing really well. I am sure he’ll be ready for July 27th.

Q. This fight is being held at Bantamweight. Do you plan to continue to fight at Bantamweight? Is that your ideal weight division?

A. Mate, I would like to get fights anywhere I can but my ideal fight would be back down to Super-Flyweight or Flyweight. That’s were all of my amateur career was contested.

Q. Anything you’d like to add in closing?

A. Thanks for having me and if anyone is in the area on July 27th, please come along and watch my new journey back in the ring. Thanks!

Brad Hore turns professional at the Sands Tavern, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast Qld. The date of the fight is July 27th. Doors open at 6pm. Ticketing information: info@xcitefight.com or 0411 393 534.