Brinkley has his eye on the prize

Yerington's Jesse Brinkley has brought a lot of excitement to boxing fans in Nevada.

He became nationally known when he was on " The Contender" series and through the years he has proven he is a top world class boxer, winning his last nine straight bouts.

On Friday, he ventures into Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, for a chance to bring the IBF super-middleweight title to Nevada.

His opponent, left-handed Romanian born Lucian Bute is 26-0 with 21 KOs and resides in Canada. The current champion is Ring Magazine's No. 1 super middleweight.

"I want to bring a world title home," said Brinkley, in a press release. "It would mean so much to me. My family, friends, fans and supporters back home deserve it too."

Brinkley has worked his way to the top, and a win would make him the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world, as I see it.

Can he win? Yes he can.

Brinkley has shown us all his great boxing abilities, having the Lane brothers as his promoters has been a huge asset for him, but even more important is a man named Peter Manfredo Sr., Brinkley's trainer. Brinkley is training in Rhode Island with Manfredo Sr., away from all distractions.

Brinkley is focused, hungry, and ready to shake up the world. His nine straight victories against tough competition speaks for itself that he can make it 10 straight. Brinkley goes into this bout at 32 years of age with a record of 35-5 with 22 KOs.

Brinkley will wear the colors of the Star Spangled Banner. On the back of his trunks, however, you will see Nevada's State flag and motto "Battle Born."

I know Jesse Brinkley believes in himself to win this fight. I believe in him, and I'm sure all of Nevada does. Good luck Jesse.

• Victor Bruno is athletic director of Bruno's Boxing Club in Carson City.