WANDONG’S own Jesse “Tip Rat” Bolt claimed the biggest win of his career last week after taking out the Victorian State Lightweight Title with a second-round knockout on Wednesday.
Coming into the matchup against Faavesi Isaako with a 3-0 record, the crowd at the Melbourne Pavilion was well-and-truly behind him, descending into “Tip Rat” chants midway through the first round.
Bolt threw a powerful combination of hooks and uppercuts in a dominant three-minute performance that left his 38-year-old opponent struggling when the bell sounded to end the first.
But it was his intent coming out from his corner to put down Isaako with a ruthless combination just 35 seconds into the second round that showed how far he could go as a fighter.
Trained by Bryce Poorter out of the House of Stoush Boxing Academy in Wallan, the 21-year-old is still relatively new to the boxing world with only five years of experience under his belt.
At the amateur level, Bolt won the under-19 Australian belt in the 63.5kg category, and has represented the country internationally before turning pro following the 2024 Victorian State Championships.
Celebrating alongside some of his closest supporters at Mac’s Irish Pub and Bistro in Kilmore on Thursday, Bolt’s dad Danny Bolts said he was proud of his son who is starting to make a lot of people take notice.
“Half the venue was there for him only. No one’s making that much noise in the whole of Australia. He’s had four fights, four wins, four knockouts. He’s got people like Barry Michael, who’s a world champion, Australia’s best, saying this kid can be anything.”
Talking with the Review at his post-fight celebrations, Bolt said he has “made some waves” and is now aiming for higher honours.
“We’re hopefully going for the Aus title next. Now it’s about keeping ready and keeping my body happy until then,” Bolt said.
