SUPERIOR athleticism and speed proved decisive as Collie's newest professional boxer, Liam Vernon, claimed victory in just 72 seconds into his debut fight at the WA Italian Club last Friday.
Cheered on by a frenzied crowd chanting 'Lethal, Lethal', Vernon approached the bout against Samuel Ballantine with the confidence and calm normally associated with much more experienced fighters.
"I was excited but not nervous," Vernon said.
"The reaction from the crowd was fantastic.
"I had a good build-up and got rid of all my nerves six weeks ago. I just wanted to land the first punch.
"People may say it was a waste of all that hard work to finish in just over a minute, but it was over in just over a minute because of those months of hard work and preparation.
"All that footwork, all that pad work, strengthening and conditioning came together with that one punch.
"I analysed his early technique and I noticed that when he was jabbing, he was throwing his jab low. So I anticipated when he was going to throw one and led with the right."
Vernon also attributed the calm to having his wife and child with him.
"It meant so much to have their support and have them with me in the days leading up to the fight," he said.
"They were a wonderful distraction."
Once Ballantine was out, Vernon was quick to check on his opponent's well-being. "I just wanted to make sure he was OK," he said.
"You just never know, one day that could be you on the ground. It takes a lot of guts to get in the ring and he would've dedicated as much time into getting ready for the fight.
"As equally happy as I was he would've been disappointed."
The 28-year-old super-middleweight was also quick to praise his Roche Park Boxing Gym trainers, Tommy Greenwood, Mick Cain and John Hinsey.
"Before the fight, I was just going over what I had been practising and what the coaches have taught me," Vernon said.
"I am grateful to everyone who worked so hard to get me here - my family for supporting me and my trainers.
"I would like to make a special mention to my sparring partners MMA fighter Nick Wood, who would travel from Bunbury and Collie local Tyrone Massara."
Veteran trainer Greenwood was proud of Vernon's achievement and said it wouldn't have been possible without support from the sponsors and the Collie Shire.
"Liam is a very intelligent and well balanced boxer," Greenwood said.
"His timing, balance was perfect.
"He was relaxed in the ring, he was thinking under pressure it was a peach of a punch. He was patient. Technically he is a very sound boxer.
"Most men would say that they would love to get in that ring, but very few ever have the guts.
"It takes a lot of heart to get to that stage."
Hinsey praised Vernon's determination, despite having to fight against the odds. "He's come so far, he said.
"From a knee reconstruction, to a serious car accident which nearly cost him his life, to his father having a stroke, these factors made the achievement so much more special."
Fourteen-year-old boxer Jack 'Crackers' Townsend said watching the hometown hero fight was inspirational.
"It shows that with enough hard work, I could be there one day," he said.
"I picked up a couple moves."
Vernon's next fight is scheduled for February next year.