On March 14, DragonFire Promotions kicks off its 2025 calendar with a stacked event at Metro City Night Club in Perth. Headlining the night is the undefeated rising star Jude Grant, who faces his toughest test yet against his first international opponent, Shi Hong Jun of China.
Grant Returns to the Spotlight
After a dominant 2024 campaign, where he secured three consecutive victories, Jude Grant looks to keep his momentum going in his second straight main event appearance.
Embracing his growing stardom, the Perth-based fighter thrives under pressure and welcomes the challenge of headlining another marquee event.
"I really enjoyed being under the bright lights," Grant said. "I'm feeling confident, and I learned a lot from my first main event experience. I'm looking to take that into this next fight."
His previous headliner against Fano Kori tested his adaptability, as Kori’s aggressive brawling style forced Grant to dig deep. Despite securing a unanimous decision victory, Grant believes those rounds were crucial for his development.
"I think as a fighter, it's important to face tough tests," he admitted. "That fight removed a lot of doubt for me. I know I can hang with the upper echelon, especially in WA boxing. I'm fully confident I can hang with anyone."
Late Opponent Change Brings New Challenge
Originally, Grant was set to take on China’s No. 1-ranked junior middleweight, Cheng Su, a seasoned competitor with multiple Asia-Pacific and international title fights. However, a broken foot forced Su out of the fight, leading to Shi Hong Jun stepping in as a late replacement.
While the last-minute change presents a challenge, Grant remains focused and unfazed. Jun, with nothing to lose, could prove to be a dangerous wildcard.
A Win Could Open Doors to the WBC Riyadh Season Grand Prix
A victory on March 14 could be the gateway to something much bigger. Grant’s manager, Tony Tolj, has nominated him—alongside teammate Joel Lewis—for potential inclusion in the highly anticipated WBC Riyadh Season Grand Prix.
The prestigious WBC Grand Prix aims to unearth boxing’s next generation of global stars, featuring fighters under 26 years old with no more than 15 professional bouts across four weight classes: Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight.
The tournament, which consists of 128 fighters, will span five events throughout the year, with quarter-finals and finals scheduled for eight and ten rounds, respectively.
For Grant, the opportunity to compete in Saudi Arabia would be a dream come true.
"I think the Grand Prix concept is amazing," Grant said. "What Riyadh Season is doing is incredible for boxing—they're changing the entire landscape of the sport."
Competing on such a stage would be a career-defining moment for the Australian prospect.
"I'd be super excited to fight on a card like that. It would be an incredible experience. If I were to win that tournament, it would mean that I’ve officially announced myself on the international stage.
"But I’m not looking past my next fight at all. That’s the first step. I fully believe I have the capability to win the tournament, but for now, my focus is on March 14."
Grant’s Biggest Test Yet Awaits on March 14
With a potential breakthrough year ahead, Jude Grant's immediate priority is delivering a statement performance against Shi Hong Jun. As he edges closer to the global stage, a dominant win could solidify his status as one of Australia’s brightest boxing prospects.
Jude Grant vs. Shi Hong Jun goes down on March 14 at Metro City Night Club. Fans can watch the full event live on LiveCombatSports.com.au.
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