Thunderdome 55 fight preview, headlined by Owen “Bomber” Corrigan

Promoter Tony Tolj previews Thunderdome 55

Dragon Fire Boxing promoter Tony Tolj is expecting fireworks when the iconic Thunderdome series returns to Metro City Arena this Friday, August 28, with Thunderdome 55 shaping up as one of the strongest cards of the year.

The event marks the 55th edition of Thunderdome and the third instalment of the series on Dragon Fire Boxing’s 2026 schedule, bringing together an explosive mix of undefeated fighters, rising prospects, seasoned veterans and hungry debutants.

Owen Corrigan vs Paulo Ratumaikoro

Headlining the card is undefeated Irishman and new Dragon Fire Boxing signing Owen “Bomber” Corrigan (6-0), who steps up to Cruiserweight for the first time to face highly regarded Fijian Paulo Ratumaikoro.

Ratumaikoro is the type of opponent who welcomes a challenge and has built a reputation for taking on anyone willing to share the ring with him. The Fijian has already faced a number of respected opponents, including undefeated prospect Omar El-Abdallah, Kirra Ruston, Donald Jones and Benjamin Hussein.

For Corrigan, the fight represents another major step forward.

“Owen has gone through more than a dozen opponents who have committed and then pulled out,” Tolj said.

“He's got the right mentality. He basically said, ‘Just put me in that ring and I'll fight anyone.’

“He's now ranked No. 14 at Light Heavyweight in Australia, and I'm very pleased with the improvements he's made under Angelo Hyder and Tony Nobbs.

“Corrigan has caught the attention of fans with his aggression and power — and he's called ‘Bomber’ for a reason.”

The undefeated Irishman now faces perhaps his toughest test yet as he makes the move up in weight.

Joel Lewis vs Weifang Li

One of Perth's most entertaining fighters, Joel “Lethal” Lewis, returns against China's Weifang Li in a highly anticipated rematch.

Lewis has built a reputation for being involved in action-packed contests, while Li will be determined to upset the Perth favourite and derail his momentum.

“Joel is always in an exciting fight,” Tolj said.

“His Chinese opponent is looking to test Joel and upset the apple cart. One thing about Chinese fighters is that you can never write them off.”

Lewis has been putting in the work behind the scenes and is determined to take his career to another level.

“He has the tools, and with the right discipline, this kid can go very far once he fully commits,” Tolj added.

“Joel wants the knockout. He doesn't want to leave it in the hands of the judges.”

Michael Bazley vs Sheng Xu

Michael “Big Bad” Bazley is quickly developing a cult following in Perth and will look to continue his unbeaten start against tough Chinese opponent Sheng Xu.

Bazley enters the contest with a perfect 3-0 record and has made no secret of his intentions.

“He's vowed to take home the KO bonus,” Tolj said. “He's had three fights and three wins, and he wants to extend that streak.”

Tanaka Saburi vs Jingyang Chen

Rising prospect Tanaka Saburi (3-1) faces China's Jingyang Chen (3-1) in what promises to be an intriguing clash between two evenly matched prospects.

Saburi has already broken into the Australian top 15 and sees Friday night as another opportunity to prove he belongs among the country's best.

“Both prospects are coming prepared to give everything they have and showcase who is the best prospect,” Tolj said.

“Saburi has cracked the top 15 in the national ratings and is looking to earn his stripes and eventually take on the elite Australian boxers.”

Billy Quinncroft vs Theepakorn Pankasem

Billy “Big Bosh” Quinncroft returns hungry to get back into the win column following his hard-fought battle with ANBF Australasian Champion Lewis Clarke in March.

Quinncroft now faces Theepakorn Pankasem in what Tolj describes as a redemption fight.

“Billy has left no stone unturned,” Tolj said. “He's looking to return to the winning column and show what he's capable of.”

Manny Ritti vs Liang Wang

Fresh from an explosive knockout victory over former ONE Championship World Champion Suzuki, “Doom Fist” Manny Ritti returns to action against the durable Liang Wang.

Wang is no stranger to Corrigan, having taken the undefeated Irishman the distance on two occasions.

The question now is whether Ritti can become the first man to stop him.

“Can he stop Wang? We will see Friday night,” Tolj said.

Jaidyn Chin vs Laurensius Lowa

CNS Fight Team's Jye Chin is another fighter making waves on the national scene.

Chin has recently entered the Australian rankings at No. 13 at Super Middleweight and will face Indonesia's Laurensius Lowa as he looks to strengthen his claim among the country's best.

“Jye has a very deceptive record,” Tolj said. “He's looking to let his hands fly and cement his claim as one of the best Super Middleweights in the country.”

Undercard

The card also features Michelle Lynch vs Harma Yesti over four rounds, a contest Tolj believes could be a genuine fight-of-the-night candidate.

Also scheduled are:

• Shaun Bayne vs Adam Milnes
• Brendan Drummond-Hay vs Nicolas Serano
• Joe Scaffidi vs Ratiphong Khamthao in Scaffidi's professional debut

With such a diverse lineup, Tolj believes fans are in for a night featuring everything professional boxing has to offer.

“I can't wait for Friday,” Tolj said.

“World Champion Andrew Moloney and his brother Jason will be in the house. It has the makings of a special night with a great mixture of technical fights, bangers, new blood and veterans.”

With Corrigan making his Cruiserweight debut, Lewis looking to settle the score, Bazley chasing another knockout, Saburi fighting to climb the rankings, Chin, Ritti, Lynch and a host of hungry prospects ready to make their mark, Thunderdome 55 promises to deliver another explosive night of professional boxing.

“Make sure to get there Friday and experience the Thunderdome.”

THUNDERDOME 55
📅 Friday, August 28, 2026
📍 Metro City Arena — Perth, WA
🎟️ Tickets: Megatix Australia
📺 Live Broadcast: Live Combat Sports