'We just clicked': Dennis Arthur guides Jorge Kapeen to WBC regional boxing title shot

"We knew each other when we were kids and we didn't particularly like each other," Arthur laughed about his relationship with welterweight boxer Jorge Kapeen.

"That same old thing, he said, she said. We didn't really like each other when we were kids, no real reason why, but in the gym we just clicked."

Which is why they'll find themselves at the Bankstown City Paceway on Saturday night. Kapeen [3-1] will be in the ring, facing Michael Pengue [5-1] for the WBC Australasian welterweight title. Arthur will be in his corner alongside Dan Higgins.

"I'm not going to try to pretend I am responsible for everything Jorge is today, he's had other coaches before me, but I am 100 per cent sure he is nothing like the fighter he has ever been," Arthur said.

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"He's mentally focused, he's strong, he's fit, he's dedicated. No other coaches have been able to get that out of him and I think it comes back to that gel we've had."

Kapeen has already claimed the NSW title under the watch of Arthur and Higgins, and now steps inside the ring chasing a belt he hopes can set him up for blockbuster domestic fights.

"We're starved for it. If I give myself this opportunity, it will open the door," Kapeen said.

"That's why I jumped at it. If I didn't take it, then I'm sitting around until the next one. In this climate, you've got to take what comes. We're fighters, fighters have got to fight.

"With everything that has happened and last year as well, I've fought once in 18 months. The key to improving is consistency and being active so I've just got to take what I can get."

Everything being the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced promoters to cancel shows and made gym owners lock their doors for months on end.

Kapeen has found ways to continue training, be it in his garage or at parks, determined to be ready when the call came.

His sparring partners will tell you he is ready - well, those who got in the ring with him at least.

"He's probably hurt a few of his sparring partners the past couple of weeks which is what you'd expect," Arthur said.

"I had to reach out to a few other gyms and didn't really get too much back from them. Absolutely silent from a few of the other boys.

"Bryan Roberts jumped in and did a few rounds and he is a much bigger boy, and Jorge didn't have too much drama at all moving him around and outmuscling him so that's good."

Kapeen is one of two Canberra PCYC fighters chasing titles on Saturday's card in Bankstown, with debutant Sarah Watt moving up two divisions in pursuit of the NSW featherweight title.

Arthur hopes Watt's bout with Skye Falzon can pave the way for the Canberran to feature on the next Capital Fight Show card slated for March.

"I know there's not a lot of competition around for the girls so it's easier to get them sanctioned for titles but I think it's a great opportunity to build a reputation in Canberra and get some support and backing for our shows in Canberra," Arthur said.

"She loves to fight, she's not really interested in scoring points and moving, so that's setting this one up for a cracker because she's fighting a really awkward southpaw. There's going to be fireworks I reckon."

BOXING

Saturday: Jorge Kapeen v Michael Pengue at Bankstown City Paceway, Condell Park.

WBC Australasian welterweight title: Jorge Kapeen [3-1] v Michael Pengue [5-1]

ANBF NSW featherweight title: Sarah Watt [debut] v Skye Falzon [debut]

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