REMEMBERING WILL TOMLINSON AND JACK ASIS

By Aus-Boxing.com

THEY have graced boxing rings all over the world, experienced the thrill of victory and suffered the agony of defeat.
But for two of Australia’s best, the time has finally come to hang them up.
Will Tomlinson and Jack Asis have left an indelible mark on the Australian boxing scene and whilst they never faced each other in the prize ring their accomplishments undoubtedly speak for themselves.
Tomlinson’s career started with a bang; he went undefeated through his first eighteen bouts before getting a chance to fight for the IBO super featherweight title. The fight was a punishing affair.
But Tomlinson came away the victor in what he describes as one of his favourite fights.
“Picking up the IBO world title against Alan Herrera in that brutal twelve round punch-on was one of my favourite fights,” says Tomlinson.
Three successful title defences followed before the man affectionately known as ‘Wild Will’ joined elite company in signing with Golden Boy Promotions, something he describes as an ‘incredible experience.’
“I enjoyed packing up my bags, going to America and signing with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions,” he says.
“To have fought at the MGM Grand and to have fought live on HBO was an incredible experience,”
A recent shock loss to Hurricane Futa undoubtedly played some part in his decision, but Tomlinson has little to be disappointed about during a career that’s seen him feature in some huge fights both domestically and abroad.
“I’ve had a great career that’s seen me win a world title and fight some of the best fighters in the world,” says Tomlinson.
“I look at the overall experience of the ten-year process as a professional and I feel like I finished on top. I’m looking forward to a bright future of being on top in another industry.”
Regardless of what path he decides to take post-boxing, Tomlinson leaves the fight game with his head held high knowing that he well and truly gave it his all.
“I’m going to sleep well at night knowing that I exploited every possible avenue to be as good as I could be,”
Jack Asis may not have been as highly regarded as Tomlinson during his formative years in the pro game but his accomplishments are no less impressive.
A native of the Philippines, Asis fought for many years with mixed results until in 2015, in his 56th bout, he was given a shot at the very same title that Tomlinson had won a few years before.
He took the opportunity with both hands, knocking out his undefeated opponent and fulfilling a lifelong dream.
“I’ve had a great career and I’m very lucky my dreams did come true,” Asis said.
“I won an IBO world title and in my last fight defended it in South Africa against a great fighter.”
Boxing has afforded Asis opportunities that may not have presented themselves had he not decided to fight for a living. It’s seen him travel the world and settle in a new country. He looks back fondly on his long career.
“This is a happy occasion and I’m very comfortable with my decision,” says Asis.
“I’ve been boxing a long time and the sport has given me so much, now it’s time for the next phase of my life.
Asis, much like Tomlinson has no regrets and win or lose he has always given it his best in the ring, he too leaves the fight game with his head held high.
“I finish my career like I started it – I gave my all and I tried my best – that’s all anyone can do regardless of winning and losing,” says Asis.
“I will miss boxing but at same time I remember I’ve been very lucky to be able to achieve what I did.”
Asis has nothing left to prove and for the man who is often referred to as ‘The Smiling Assassin,’ he leaves the sport a happy man.
“This is a happy occasion and I’m very comfortable with my decision,” says Asis.