Finn secures place in history with title win on the Gold Coast

Finn recorded two knockdowns during a five round bout with opponent Evan Stuart from Kempsey.

The win seals Finn’s place in the record books as the first Aboriginal to win an Australian title in four different styles of martial arts, having already done so in martial arts, karate and Muay Thai boxing.

He has strong bloodlines in boxing on both sides, with the Finns and the Bartholomews achieving a great deal of success in the sport.

However he is the first in the family to have held an Australian title and said he was absolutely over the moon with the result.

While Finn has fought in a number of big events over the years, he said he had never experienced anything quite like the atmosphere of the venue before.

“It was amazing,” he said.

“Just so surreal.

“Now I know how Preston (Campbell) must feel every time he goes out there.

“The atmosphere was electric and it was a great experience to have the live weigh in, with the cameras and the press.”

Another big part of the experience was to have one of the worlds leading referees, Dan Sell in from America.

Current IKF World Heavyweight champion Mike Sheppard also made comment that “Darren was one of the sharpest and most skilled boxer he has watched for a long time”.

Finn said it was a very tough fight and gave a lot of credit to his opponent, who had been a lot stronger than the first time they fought.

“He really wanted a rematch to show what he was made of; and to his credit he really did.

“If I’d have fought like I did the first time, I think he would’ve beaten me.

“He showed why he’s so dangerous and really came to fight.

“I got him with a beauty of a right hand in the fifth round and that was probably a turning point.”

Michael Lawlor, another boxer from Inverell, also won in the Welterweight division and Finn believes he will be one to look out for in the future.

“He fought his little heart out.

“The fight was only on short notice, but he took the chance with both hands.

“I think he will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in the next year or so.”

With the Australian title now in his hands, Finn said turning professional in boxing is definitely something he is looking at for the future.

At this stage however, he is looking to make the transition into the hugely popular sport of mixed martial arts, which has been a goal for some time.

“After the fight I actually had a call from a promoter for the Combat 8 tournament in Newcastle in August.”

Unlike UFC, Combat 8 is only boxing, wrestling and jiu jitsu, which Finn believes makes it more entertaining for the crowd.

“It should be really exciting and I’m looking forward to it already.”

Finn also wanted to thank his family and friends for their support.

“It’s been a great journey.”