During his time working as a brickie’s labourer, cleaner, and garbage collector, Garth Wood found it financially challenging to take his family on luxurious vacations.
On Tuesday, he re-entered the gym to train for a rematch with the fallen champion Anthony Mundine, just back from exciting trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Disneyland, all made possible by the prize money from his impressive victory over Mundine in December.
Since the start of the new year, Wood’s manager has been in talks with Mundine’s camp, and an announcement regarding the rematch date in April, along with the venue, is anticipated within the next 48 hours.
The primary point of contention remains Mundine’s desire to host the fight on the Gold Coast, while the Wood team is advocating for Sydney to allow Wood to fight in front of his supportive local fans.
Thrilled about stepping back into the ring, the former South Sydney rugby league player feels completely rejuvenated after his family enjoyed their first overseas vacation together.
“I promised the kids a getaway if I won the fight,” Wood stated.
“That break was wonderful, but today I’m back in the gym.
“I’m as eager as ever and excited for whatever opportunities this year brings.”
Once a significant fan of Mundine, Wood now finds himself with little admiration for the fading world champion or his manager Khoder Nasser.
He insists this sentiment isn’t just a tactic to generate buzz or ticket sales for the upcoming fight against his former idol and friend.
“It’s not what it used to be,” Wood remarked. “And it must be like this when preparing to fight someone.
“Negotiating with them can be incredibly frustrating.
“They prefer not to hold the fight in Sydney, believing they will attract more pay-per-view buys if it happens elsewhere.
“However, we’re both from Sydney, and the fight needs to take place here where there’s significant interest. All the folks who are not fond of Mundine will come out to support me as they did for our first bout.
“And those that can’t attend will purchase the fight on TV since they want to see me defeat him again.
“There are still some things to finalize, but we should have an agreement completed within 48 hours.”
The fight is projected to earn Wood nearly $1 million from ticket sales and pay-per-view revenue.
This amount starkly contrasts with the paychecks he received over the past decade through various roles.
“I’ve been a brickie’s labourer, worked for the Marrickville Council as a garbage collector, spent time on the wharves, and even cleaned,” he recalled. “I genuinely aim to leverage this next fight to position myself for a world title and more lucrative opportunities.”
The initial bout between Mundine and Wood attracted 18,000 viewers. This time, they are aiming for 40,000.
Former world champion Jeff Fenech, who supported Wood during the first match, has full confidence that the former Rabbitoh can achieve victory once more.
“Actually, it will be much easier this time,” Fenech stated.
“Mundine is in decline, while Garth is on the rise.
“He has room for further development.
“Garth has already done it once, and he’ll do it again.”
by Buford Balony
