Exclusive: Sam Rennie Promises To ‘get the win’ In Historic Title Fight

It was just over a year ago that the Isle of Man’s Sam Rennie (3-0, 1KO) announced himself on the professional scene with a decision win over Australia’s Jitti Thobwan. Fast forward twelve months, and the 23-year-old stands on the cusp of history, aiming to become the first Manx boxer to capture a professional title.

Rennie’s date with destiny is set for Friday, May 30, when he squares off against Indonesia’s Asyer Aluman (4-5-1, 2KO) in a super featherweight clash for the WBC Australasia Silver Championship at Thunderdome 50 in Perth, Australia.

Rennie embraces the excitement of the occasion while maintaining focus on the task at hand.

“I’m still waiting to wake up from my dream. I wish I had the words to use,” Rennie explained, speaking to Boxing Daily.

“I’m trying not to get overwhelmed by it; I’m fighting the fight, not the occasion. I don’t want the situation to get the better of me.”

Rennie may only be three fights deep into his professional career, but boxing is in his blood, with his father and two elder brothers having spent time in the squared circle.

Rennie had his first bout at age ten and had an eight-year amateur career, which saw him make the Isle of Man select team and included stints in Spain, where he trained alongside names such as Billy Joe Saunders.

The further he progressed as an amateur, the more he knew it was the professional ranks where his calling lay. He had his first foray into the pro scene in Sydney before making the long flight to the sun-drenched city of Perth.

The cross-country move was preceded by a tough time in Rennie’s life, which saw him without settled accommodation, short of funds and having to get by on dollar cans of tuna from Coles.

However, the change of scenery paid dividends for Rennie, who found a home at Perth’s Ringfit Training Centre under coach Dan Rogers as well as teaming up with Tony Tolj, one of Australia’s top boxing managers who has guided the careers of notable names Andrew and Jason Moloney.

“I’m glad to come over. I think it was the best decision made for me, coming over here,” Rennie said.

“Unless you’re a die-hard, domestic boxing fan, I don’t think you know a lot of the Perth scene when it comes to boxing. Sooner or later, in the next year or two, or even sooner than that, I think a good few of us are definitely going to be on the global scene.”

Nothing can be taken for granted in boxing, and every fight, especially in the pro ranks, must be approached with the respect it deserves. History is on offer for Rennie this week, but he still needs to get the job done against Aluman, who is hoping to spoil the party. Rennie’s father and a handful of other supporters will be flying out to Australia for the occasion, providing an extra spark of motivation for the fight ahead.

“You can’t put it into words. It’s a feeling that no one prepares you for. Proud is an understatement, and I just got to make sure I put on a show for them,” he said.

“Winning is the most important part. Everyone says taking part or having fun, but I’m not having people fly this whole way to see me get beat. No way, so I will make sure I get the win. Then just be able to celebrate with them; you take memories like that to the grave with you.”

It has taken hundreds of hours and litres of sweat training in gyms worldwide that has led Rennie to this moment. He knows victory over Aluman will propel him up the rankings and put him in line for bigger fights in the future.

There is plenty of competition in the Australian and Asia Pacific region, so he will have no shortage of exciting potential matchups if he wins this week.

It is a surreal time for a fighter who, a year ago, was struggling in Sydney, unsure of what path to take next, and he is appreciative of the life he has made for himself in Perth.

‘”It’s honestly like a dream come true; it’s a crazy, crazy experience, and sometimes, you need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture,” he said.

“This is a great life I’m living, and just to top it off, I’m waking up every morning in the sunshine and not waking up to grey clouds or rain.”

If Rennie captures the WBC Australasia Silver title this Friday, it will kick off not only a new chapter in his story but one for Isle of Man boxing as well.