The 2012 Olympian squares off with Kris George for the vacant strap at Rumours International in Toomwoomba, Queensland on November 25 and does not feel there is any need to worry about having a passionate Garden City crowd against him.
Hammond had originally been scheduled to lock horns with Joel Brubaker in Sydney on October 29, but Brubaker sustained a hand injury in training and was forced to withdraw.
“I was devastated when the Brubaker fight fell through, but these things happen in boxing and I’m thankful that my team have been able to get me another opportunity to box for the belt so quickly, Hammond, 27, said.
“Fighting for the Commonwealth title against another Aussie is huge and I’ve said before that I think it’s a title that will launch me towards really big things.
“Yeah, George is going to have the crowd behind him as he’s the home fighter, but I boxed away all over the world as an amateur and it’s not something that holds any fear for me. After all, the crowd can’t fight for him.”
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton has promoted Hammond since the Moree stylist turned professional in late 2012 and he believes this fight is the start of big things for his man.
“Two Aussies haven’t fought each other for the Commonwealth belt in more than 15 years so this a chance for Cameron to make some history,” Hatton said.
“He’s been flying under the radar a little bit for the past 18 months and now he has a chance to really make a name for himself.
“I’ve been keen to get him in some big fights in Europe for a while now and I think beating Kris George will propel Cameron onto even bigger fights against well-known names across the world.”
George v Hammond will be promoted by TGW and Smithy’s Promotions and will feature an undercard packed with upcoming Australian talent.
