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By: Matthew N. Becher
Zac Dunn is a 24 year old undefeated (18-0 15KO) Super Middleweight champion fighting out of Melbourne Australia, who on Saturday, October 24th will make his professional United States debut against rugged veteran Derrick Findley at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York. Dunn has recently signed a promotional deal with Joe DeGuardias Star Promotions, and looks to continue to climb the rankings in the 168lb division. We were able to speak with Dunn about fighting in the U.S. for the first time, his fighting style and where he sees himself in the future.
Boxing Insider: Since this will be your first fight in the U.S., why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself? Who is Zac Dunn?
Zac Dunn: Well I’m 24 years old, I got into the sport when I was 11. When I was in grammar school I got sick, I got meningitis. At that time I was playing footie (Australian Rules football) and I lost weight. When I got out of hospital and started to get fit again, I tried boxing. One thing led to another and I had to make a choice if I wanted to be good at a few sports or really good at one sport. So I stopped playing footie, I stopped playing basketball, and I just stuck with boxing. I had my first fight at 14, and the rest is history. That ended up bringing me to America today.
Boxing Insider: What is the boxing scene like in Australia?
Zac Dunn: The population is 24 million. It’s not the 300 million in the US. It’s a smaller fan base than the United States.
Boxing Insider: What are your feelings with this being your first fight outside Australia and in New York City?
Zac Dunn: As an amateur I did travel all around the world. But this is my first professional fight outside of Melbourne. I’m very excited to show off my talent, to show off my ability and pick up some new fans along the way. We want people to enjoy what I got to show.
Boxing Insider: How would you describe your style of boxing?
Zac Dunn: My style is based on Ambrose Palmers book “The Method”. My trainer was taught that growing up. So he taught me “The Method” and we added Kostya Tszyu’s slip counter. That is what he taught me.
Boxing Insider: Your opponent Derrick Findley was a late addition to the fight. Does that change any of your training camp prep work?
Zac Dunn: Well, it’s changed from a southpaw to orthodox fighter, but that’s fine. It’d be a big game changer if it was the other way around from orthodox to southpaw. Derrick Findley is a shorter guy, so I’ll try and keep him on the outside and control him with my shots. I’m probably gonna go in and try and excite the crowd and give a good performance.
Boxing Insider: You are one of the younger guys in the 168lb division. You are the IBO champ, are you ready to defend that title against the number 1, 2, etc. contenders. The “top” guys?
Zac Dunn: Guys like Andre Dirrell? Yes, I’m ready for them. He, is a fast and a good boxer, but I believe I’m a stronger fighter. As a fighter I am ready for guys like that, but I can only fight who management puts in front of me. I trust management to put the right opponents at the right time in front of me.
Boxing Insider: So do you plan on having the rest of your fights in the United States, or is this a once in a while type event?
Zac Dunn: I will be fighting in the states for the next couple of years, but I will also be bringing some fights back to Australia. Maybe one fight a year for my fans back in Australia. So they don’t forget about me.
