Ben Harvey set for East Coast title bout on Pandemonium Fight Night in Canberra

It was the philosophy on fighting and martial arts Harvey witnessed in Lee's iconic movies - those he watched with his father - that drew him into the culture of combat sports.

Now he finds himself preparing to face Brisbane's Jong Ryu for the Martial Arts Sports Association East Coast title on the Pandemonium Fight Night card at the Croatian Club on Saturday night.

The chance to win a championship in the capital brings him a long way from those quiet days spent at home watching a man regarded as the most influential martial artist of all time, a 20^th century pop culture icon who bridged the gap between east and west.

"It's hard to remember, but it probably would have been with my dad. He actually started doing karate lessons and that might have been what kickstarted everything," Harvey said.

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"I started watching a lot of action movies, a lot of Jackie Chan as well. I always wanted to start doing karate, and I did. I ended up starting a Korean martial art, and eventually moved on to Muay Thai."

Now he finds himself stripping down to 67 kilograms for a battle under the lights of the Croatian Club on a Pretty Boy Promotions card to be headlined by Sharnae Lignieres.

Harvey concedes he knows little of Ryu ahead of their title bout but he is relishing the chance to fight on home soil in pursuit of a championship.

"It's a fight against yourself really," Harvey said.

"When you're in there it's about how hard I can push and imposing my will upon someone else. It doesn't really matter who is in there, I'm just excited to get in there.

"I've been working really hard for this one, I've been working on my cardio, I'm training for five rounds this time.

"I fought last year in December so it hasn't been too long, but nevertheless it's still awesome to get back in there. I'm really excited, I just can't wait.

"It's always so much better in Canberra, I've got all the support of my friends and family. I prefer the no headgear rules you get in the ACT as opposed to NSW, where you have to fight in headgear."

PANDEMONIUM FIGHT NIGHT

Saturday: Pandemonium Fight Night at the Australian Croatian Club O'Connor, 6.30pm. Due to COVID-19 restrictions this will be a seated and corporate table event only.

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