Boxer to shake off ‘ring rust’

Making the long journey to the southern hemisphere, United States-based pugilist Errol Spence junior lost his bout with local hero Tim Tszyu via unanimous decision on Sunday.

As for the next contender, American Boxer the equine will trade blows at Club Menangle this afternoon for Inter Dominion winning trainer Kevin Pizzuto.

First-up from a spell, American Boxer will have a touch of ‘ring rust’, however, Pizzuto is confident the son of American Ideal is ready to ‘keep punching’.

“He’s come up really nicely and his work on the training track has been solid,” Pizzuto said. “I haven’t had him chasing any chickens, but I did play Eye of the Tiger, so maybe that will help!

“I’m happy with where he is at and expect a good run from him.”

Unraced since his unplaced performance in Penrith on May 7, American Boxer produced an eye-catching trial at Club Menangle last week, finishing a neck second in 1:54.2.

To be driven by Josh Gallagher, the five-year-old has drawn wide in barrier eight for the 1609-metre sprint.

American Boxer has been absent from the winners’ circle since scoring in Penrith on March 2.

“The draw makes it tough, but it is what it is,” Pizzuto said. “He’ll need some luck from there.

“It’s a pretty even field, so it will come down to what kind of run he gets.

“He hasn’t raced for 12 weeks, but he is forward enough to make a good showing, but that said, he will certainly improve from the hit out.”

Pizzuto will then be represented by Tiger Prince, which is also returning from a break.

A son of the astute horseman’s Inter Dominion winner Tiger Tara, Tiger Prince hasn’t raced since his unplaced run at Club Menangle on May 9.

Thriving during his time off according to Pizzuto, the five-year-old is aiming to break a drought, having last scored in Penrith on Christmas Eve 2025.

“The spell has done him the world of good,” Pizzuto said. “He has brightened right up and has been working a treat in the last couple of weeks.

“I’ve got him in the best possible shape he can be fresh from a break.”

Also runner-up in a Club Menangle trial last week, Tiger Prince is the widest drawn in a field of 10 over 1609 metres.

Gallagher will also take the reins behind the gelding.

“It’s not an easy draw, but I expected that given the conditions of the race,” Pizzuto said. “He’s certainly got a task ahead of him, but he’ll go well enough.”