Australian pugilistic luminary Johnny Lewis has assented to accompany Curtis Scott’s unexpected endeavor to secure the Australian cruiserweight championship – commencing against the compatriot leaguer whose professional journey he denounces as “a source of shame”.
Merely a few months after being rebuffed a reinstatement in the NRL, the 26-year-old Scott is poised to inaugurate his foray into the heavyweight division confronting Joey Leilua in No Limit’s 2024 Pay-Per-View inaugural on Wednesday evening in Wollongong.
As part of the promotional buildup, both combatants engaged in an intense Main Event ‘Face Off’ interview earlier this week, during which Scott accused his adversary of relinquishing efforts during matches, “lurking on the periphery”, and “bringing disgrace” during his tenure at Wests Tigers. “Every instance I shadowed you,” Scott asserted, locking eyes with his opponent from across the table, “you faltered.”
Leilua, meanwhile, asserted he scarcely recollects marking up against the younger midfielder – “I recall Cameron Smith, not Curtis Scott” – who later insinuated that Leilua harbored delusions of grandeur.
A member of the 2017 premiership-winning Storm squad, Curtis Scott further reiterated by insinuating that during Leilua’s stint at Raiders, amidst rigorous training sessions, he garnered notoriety for not only abandoning efforts or exiting the field but absconding from Raiders HQ altogether.
“One would commence homeward bound, riled and disheartened,” Scott chuckled. During another altercation, the pugilistic novice characterized his adversary as “a befuddling imbecile” who, up until now, has exclusively squared off against adversaries he was assured of defeating.
Certainly, Scott will encounter considerable opposition on Wednesday night, conceding potentially up to 30kg by the time the duo engage.
The erstwhile Stormer will, however, benefit from a wealth of guidance in his corner inclusive of head coach Brian Doyle and Lewis – the unparalleled Hall of Famer renowned for nurturing luminaries such as Kostya Tszyu, Jeff Fenech, and Jeff Harding.
Doyle, additionally, serves as the striking coach for UFC middleweight star Robert Whittaker.
He is also aiding Australian hopeful Brock Jarvis in his pugilistic resurgence.
Inquired about Lewis’ involvement in his corner for the bout, the former leaguer elucidated to Fox Sports Australia that it transpired after the esteemed mentor was extended an invitation to observe one of his preliminary sparring sessions by Doyle, a longstanding acquaintance of the legend.
“Johnny attended, observed my sparring, and expressed eagerness to partake,” Scott expounded. “He indicated willingness to contribute in any capacity.”
“And he’s been unwavering in his support throughout preparations.
“Johnny epitomizes an exemplary influence in my corner. A venerable role model.”
While Curtis Scott isn’t anticipated to tip the scales beyond 94 kilograms on fight night, Leilua is expected to weigh in at approximately 120 kilograms.
Consequently, the former NSW Origin aspirant divulged that, following a victory next Wednesday night, he aspires to campaign at cruiserweight in the future, with Doyle opining that he could vie for the Australian title this year.
Currently, the cruiserweight title is held by undefeated Brisbane southpaw Luke Modini (11-0).
Elsewhere, both former gridiron athletes were eager to engage in verbal sparring in this week’s ‘Face Off’ program hosted by Main Event presenter Niko Pajarillo.
When Scott accused Leilua of routinely abdicating responsibilities when confronted with adversity, and even absconding from Raiders HQ entirely, his adversary retorted: “Who relayed such information to you?”
“You were encircled by forty individuals,” Scott chuckled, “and departed.”
Leilua: “Now you’re fabricating stories. I dictate my path.”
Curtis Scott: “In the face of adversity, you yielded and departed.”
Leilua: “So, according to you, I’m predisposed to yield?”
Curtis Scott: “Time will tell. However, you possess the propensity.
“You harbor such inclinations.
“You relinquished even amidst the presence of forty individuals.
“During the encounter with Cronulla, you abandoned the field due to dissatisfaction.”
Leilua: “Cronulla?”
Curtis Scott: “Shark Park, you exited the field. Another instance of dissatisfaction.”
Leilua: “I never quit. If I’m not afforded opportunities… if I am, we prevail. If you are, nothing materializes.”
Scott: “Your assertions are nonsensical… did you participate in one grand final across numerous seasons? Canberra languished. You perennially resided in the lower echelons.”
Later, the erstwhile Stormer continued: “He possesses stature but harbors a tyrannical demeanor.
“When situations deviate from his desires, he exhibits discontent.
“Consider his dimensions. He ought to have occupied the front row but elected to remain on the periphery and in the midfield. “Throughout his tenure, he maintained a weight exceeding 100 kilograms and commenced his journey stationed on the periphery.
“He possessed boundless potential and yet evaded…”
Addressing Fox Sports Australia separately, Curtis Scott confirmed his proclivity towards campaigning at cruiserweight moving forward.
“Cruiserweight presents a pragmatic option,” he affirmed regarding competing at the 91kg limit.
“I’ve embarked on this initial bout against a formidable opponent because it marks the inception of my pugilistic odyssey, and I was disinclined to spurn such an opportunity.”
And regarding clinching an Australian title before year’s end?
“Well, I’m not dabbling in pugilism,” he remarked. “I’m fully committed to this endeavor and endeavoring to set ambitious objectives, engaging in arduous contests.
“Most novices do not encounter adversaries over 20 kilograms heavier than themselves. That’s not customary.
“However, I embraced this challenge owing to the confidence vested in my abilities.”
Curtis Scott added that he anticipates Leilua to weigh approximately 120 kilograms given that “his weight was marginally higher in his preceding bout”.
“I am aware of his formidable punching power,” he continued.
“And his agility.
“Surprisingly swift, nimble-footed.”
A former NSW Origin aspirant, Curtis Scott was exiled from the sport after a series of off-field transgressions.
In 2022, the athlete was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order following convictions for three offenses against his former partner — assault causing bodily harm, common assault, and intimidation with intent to instill fear or cause physical harm.
A year prior, Curtis Scott was dismissed by the Canberra Raiders following a nightclub altercation for which he was subsequently acquitted in court.
In December, the controversial 26-year-old’s bid for an NRL reinstatement was rebuffed owing to his string of off-field indiscretions and legal entanglements, prompting speculation of a move to the English Super League.
Nonetheless, the former NRL enfant terrible has redirected his focus towards pugilism and exhibits unwavering dedication towards a professional career, training alongside 26-year-old Jarvis (21-1).
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