Craig Butler has only been boxing for seven months but he has all ready claimed he wants to be a “little Muhammad Ali” or the next “Rocky Balboa”.
And don’t think for one minute this 14-year-old couldn’t be the “thunder from down under”.
With his best mate and corner man Richie Cruickshanks by his side, and Mudgee Boxing Club’s trainer Jeff Glover giving him direction, Butler became the Northern Rivers super flyweight champion last Friday.
The Year 8 Mudgee High School student won his bout against Old Bar’s Corey Hardy by unanimous decision for the vacant title at the Old Bar Bowling Club.
It was the first pro-am boxing event to be held in the small coastal village, near Taree, in over six decades.
Butler, who fought his second amateur fight, felt great joy when he was announced the new champion.
“It was just happiness. I was so happy,” Butler said.
The passionate fighter has followed in the footsteps of his uncles who have stepped into the square ring.
But Butler said he loves nothing more to be in the ring.
“I fight with my heart,” he said.
Cruickshanks is the new champion’s right-hand man.
“I get him [Butler] water and help Jeff,” Cruickshanks said.
Trainer Glover said the two best mates were inseparable at training.
At this stage Butler has no challenger for his title but he said he would be ready to defend it.
“It doesn’t matter where and when,” Butler said.