ROWVILLE kickboxer Azer Bektas wants to take on the world but first he needs to clean up his own ‘‘backyard’’.
Bektas will take a major step towards this goal when he faces off with Lilydale-trained southpaw Dave Rayner in a main event bout at Chelsea Heights Hotel this Saturday night.
The 25-year-old continues to maintain a perfect six-wins-from-six record with his last fight ending early after he scored a first-round knockout.
But to get win number seven, co-trainer Rudi Ramirez said Bektas would have to put in serious work.
‘‘Azer has been waiting for a while to be the main event, now he gets his chance,’’ Ramirez said.
‘‘Getting a first round knockout can work both ways for a fighter, either you get too confident or it makes you work even harder.
‘‘Azer has been putting in long hours and we have been working him hard — he has taken no chances with this preparation and he is ready to go.’’
Bektas combines a heavy training load with full-time work as a mechanic.
Ramirez said he was in awe of his star fighter’s work ethic and commitment.
‘‘We are starting to get some interest from potential sponsors now as well,’’ Ramirez said.
‘‘Lots of people will be down to watch him and get behind him in this fight.’’
Rayner is trained by respect Lilydale trainer Nick Lundh, a former kickboxing world champion.
While both fighters hold belts from previous fights, this bout will not be a title fight but a chance for both fighters to show their skills on the big stage.
‘‘Azer has an immaculate record and he wants to show people why he has got it,’’ Ramirez said.
A win from Bektas could help him launch a major title assault late this year.
The undercard for the Bektas v Rayner fight starts at 7pm at Chelsea Heights Hotel, Springvale Road, Chelsea Heights. Tickets will be available at the door.