Rising star Tanaka Saburi challenges for first title at Thunderdome 54

Tanaka Saburi challenges for first title in Perth at Thunderdome 54

May 29th, Dragon Fire Boxing hits the Metro City Arena for the second time this year for the 54th edition of the iconic Thunderdome series with a stacked card.

One of the prospects coming through is Jnr Welterweight, Tanaka Saburi (2-1, 1 KO).

Having put on another show-stealing performance at Thunderdome 53, Saburi returns, ready to put on another great showing.

The Aussie talent stopped his opponent, Mahendra Bahadur Chand, with just 80 seconds remaining in their four-round contest.

Tanaka Saburi reflected on his first stoppage win, “My last fight was a big step forward for me. I got the win by TKO, so overall I’m happy with the result, but I’m also very honest with myself, I feel like I could’ve taken him out earlier. I was a bit of a late starter in that fight. I took that first round just to read him, figure out his timing, his reactions, what he was trying to do. Once I made those adjustments, I started cooking and really turning up the pace. That’s when everything began to flow, more time my shots were landing cleaner, I was more confident, and I felt in control. But at this level, I know I can’t afford to give rounds away or take too long to get going. Since that fight, I’ve really focused on starting faster, being sharper from the opening bell, and making sure that when I hurt someone, I finish the job properly.”

Saburi faces Nepal's Bikash Rana next, who recently lost to Devon Kelly, but achieved a draw on one of the judge's scorecards. Tanaka was defeated by Kelly in both their pro debuts in March 2025.

“My opponent is a solid fighter, and I respect him,” said Saburi. “He’s naturally a bit heavier than me, but that’s not something that worries me at all. I’ve been sparring bigger guys my whole life, so I’m used to that kind of size and pressure. He had a great performance in his fight with Devon Kelly, so credit to him, he showed what he’s capable of. But at the end of the day, styles win fights. It’s not just about size or strength, it’s about how styles match up, and I truly believe my style is the one that comes out on top here. I’ve studied what I need to study, I’ve prepared the way I need to prepare, and I know exactly what I have to do when we’re in there.”

He attempted to put into words, his excitement to challenge for his first title, “This means everything to me. To be fighting for a professional title in just my fourth fight is something you don’t really hear of, it shows the belief I have in myself and the risks I’m willing to take early in my career. A lot of fighters take their time, build slowly, but I’ve always believed I’m ready for big moments. This is one of them. It’s not just about winning a belt, these times it’s about proving that I belong at this level, that I can handle pressure, and that I’m here to build something serious in this sport. This is the first step toward where I want to go, and I’m not taking it lightly.”

He added some words of advice to his forthcoming foe, “Come ready. I know what you bring, and I respect you as a fighter. I’m sure you’re coming in confident, just like I am. Let’s go in there and put on a proper fight for everyone watching. At the same time, I pray that we both make it back safely to our families, God bless. But once that bell rings, it’s business. I’m coming in there focused, disciplined, and ready to do what I need to do to take that belt.

“To all my family and friends, this one is truly for us. Boxing is known as a lonely sport, and a lot of the time it can feel that way, but for me, I’ve never felt alone on this journey. I’ve had people supporting me from day one, and I carry that with me every time I step into the ring. All the sacrifices, the early mornings, the hard sessions—it’s not just me, it’s all of us. That’s why this win isn’t just mine. This is going to be a win for all of us. I’m going in there to make you proud, and when I bring that belt home, it belongs to every single person who’s been backing me,” Saburi concluded.

Tickets on sale now at megatix.com.au & the event will be broadcast by Livecombatsports.com.au