The 10-round bout for the WBA Oceania Welterweight Title will present one of the biggest opportunities so far, and could lead to doors opening the Moree boxer could only dream of.

The bout has been approved as an eliminator for the commonwealth title and if he wins, he’ll be the leading contender for the prestigious Commonwealth Welterweight Title.

Manager Matt Clark said if Hammond won this weekend, it was more than likely his next fight would be for the title.

“It is one of the oldest titles in boxing and a huge opportunity for Cameron,” Clark said.

“Every kid dreams of success in their chosen field. Cameron is ranked 14th in the world in Floyd Mayweather’s field and although the pair wouldn’t meet realistically, each time he defends a belt in the Oceania competition he climbs the ranks.

“The sky really is the limit,” Clark said. “(Ricky) Hatton thinks the same thing. He’s just got to hang in there, and doors will begin to open.

“He’s got people like (Anthony) Mundine in his corner as well. He’s got the world at his feet.

“Cameron needs to step-up and realise his potential. He’s done himself and Moree proud, and he has a lot to offer. 

“This commonwealth title is one more thing we want him to achieve. If he gets that, Ricky is talking about taking him to train in Manchester and things like that.”

Hammond said he was proud of his the WBA Oceania title-win last year, but to get the chance to box for the commonwealth “would be great”.

“Obviously, this is an eliminator and there’s no guarantee that my next fight would be for that title itself, but knowing that beating Ravudi puts me on course for it is something that fills me with excitement,” Hammond said.

But, he has to defeat this weekend’s opponent before he considers that step in his future.

As he climbs the ladder he gets bigger pay days but “you’re only as good as your last fight”.

He’ll face 10 three-minute rounds against Sydney-based Jese “The Hitman” Ravudi – Fiji’s number one.

“It’ll be a tough fight with this kid; he’s very confident,” Clark said. “He jumped at the opportunity to fight Cameron and is tipping a knock-out. He told me, ‘it’s going to be an early night’.”

The “trash talker” has made for an interesting lead-up but Hammond’s not phased, laughing off his opponent’s comments.

“It’s all part of the show,” Clark said, “whereas Cam’s the exact opposite. He’s just a quiet, nice kid,” he said.

In his 12th professional fight this will be the first time Hammond goes up against a southpaw. “That’s one challenge he will have to overcome,” Clark said. “But he’s looking good.”

Hammond has been training at the Moree Boxing Academy.

“We’re not worried about that. Danny Cheetham, Chalky Rice and the team at the academy have got Cameron to where he is today. They should be extremely proud. It’s one of the best set-ups I’ve seen in Australia

“I’ve been to both of Cameron’s professional fights in Moree and they were of extremely high calibre. Cameron’s support is phenomenal. I’ve watched fights all over the world and there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at Moree.

“The only one issue we’ve had having him at home is finding a sparring partner at his level. Wade Ryan from Gunnedah, who is also a southpaw, has helped give him some experience with that style of fighter.”

Hammond said it wouldn’t be an easy fight against Ravudi. 

“He’ll see me as a big scalp and will give his all. I just think I’ll have too much for him,” he said.

“I’ve had some time out due to injury but I’m fit and strong and I can’t wait to get back in the ring and show the fans what I can do.

“My last two fights have been 10-rounders and they’ve put me in good stead for this test. Obviously I’d like a knock-out, but I won’t push it. If it comes, it comes,” he said.

The KO Cancer Fight Night will take place this Saturday at The Sands Tavern, Maroochydore.

For tickets call 0411 393 534 or email info@xcitefight.com

Clark is hoping some locals will make the trip to support Hammond as they normally do. “It only makes him stronger on the night.”