Kept a secret for far too long, one of Australia's most promising boxers is about to hit the big time as Tasmania's Luke โAction' Jackson announced on Wednesday that he will make his television debut in May.
Although an opponent is yet to be named, fans of the sweet science are certainly urged to tune in to Fox Sports on May 20th to see the world rated Jackson ply his trade.
The undefeated featherweight (11-0 with five finishes) will compete on the undercard of the โWarriors Call' fightcard to be headlined by former IBO World Super Featherweight champion Will Tomlinson.
For those who are yet to see the Tasmania fight, you are in for a treat. Jackson is coming off the biggest victory of his career to date, when in March he beat John Mark Apolinario by unanimous decision.
Although Jackson later admitted to struggling with both a severe shoulder injury and struggled controlling his OCD, he was good enough on the night to capture both a win and a world ranking.
He also added the WBA Oceania featherweight title to the Australian featherweight title he won back in March of 2015.
Those fans of the amateur ranks may recognise Jackson from his bronze medal winning campaign in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
The efforts, combined with his bright personality made him an obvious choice to captain the boxing team at both the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Deli and also the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Jackson's charm extends well beyond his abilities in the ring, as best represented by the time he spends mentoring younger people in making good life decisions.
He has also inspired and helped others work toward their fitness goals through the work he puts in at his Action Fitness Centre which is situated in Derwent, Hobart, Tasmania.
Jackson is far from a silent owner of the business, spending time running classes and actively training those with dreams that vary from simple fitness goals to one day lifting a boxing world title.
His recent admission of suffering from symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder further outline the kind of person Jackson is.
Rather than hiding away, using it as an excuse or appealing for sympathy, Jackson has taken the fight head on and has used his rapidly expanding profile to help others struggling from the illness to do the same.
Simply put, in a world of trash talking, drug, alcohol and money flaunting athletes, Jackson is the role model the sport needs in this country.
With each and every one of his 13 professional fights his game has improved and his profile expanded.
Make no mistake though, although Jackson comes across as a friendly, smiling and helpful individual, I'm not throwing my name into the ring to be a sparring partner of his anytime soon.
The 31 year-old can fight. His performances thus far arguably well surpass his relative inexperience in the professional ranks, and his ability to secure a world ranking prior to his 14th professional fight is a testament to his hard work.
Don't take my word for it though, make sure to tune in to Foxsports on May 20th to see for yourself.
