Michael Bazley vows to make an impact in DragonFire boxing return

Michael Bazley will face Sheng Xu at DragonFire Promotions’ next event at the Metro City Night Club next Friday. The WA State Heavyweight champion has won every professional bout by knockout and is preparing for his second international opponent.

Bazley enters the contest after defeating Ryan Williams to claim the WA State Heavyweight Championship. The victory fulfilled expectations that had followed him for about a decade and also honoured a promise he made to a late friend, with whom he had discussed becoming state champion.

The title win was one of the most significant moments of Bazley’s career. He also won the 2025 Alan Pond Cup, adding another achievement to a professional run that began last November.

Bazley has remained active since turning professional and has also taken on promotional duties for DragonFire. He has appeared in event trailers and video interviews, while his experience in real estate has helped him bring supporters to the Metro City Night Club.

He believes building an audience is part of his role beyond the ring. Bazley has said that strong performances matter, but fighters must also help attract people who want to follow their stories. His approach has been to commit fully rather than leave long gaps between bouts.

Xu brings a different test. The Chinese fighter is a southpaw, giving Bazley his first experience against that stance in a proper bout, and is nine years younger than the champion. Bazley has limited knowledge of his opponent but expects a physically strong fighter who will arrive in good condition.

The DragonFire card is headlined by Irish favourite Owen “Bomber” Corrigan against Paulo Ratumaihoro in a cruiserweight bout. Bazley’s heavyweight meeting with Xu will feature on the undercard as he seeks another decisive performance and continues his rapid progression.