ISRAEL GALVAN is no stranger to the big catch, now he is desperate to net a golden 125lb one in Bahrain.
The 19-year-old American came into the tournament on the back of winning the Flyweight Junior Pan American Open Championship.
However, the teenager has opted against competing in the Juniors at the World Championships and instead jumped into the deep waters of senior competition.
But his bravery has paid off after yesterday’s unanimous decision victory over Kazakhstan’s Yernaz Mussabek secured his place in the final.
That was the first time the California-native, who hails from Santa Clarita, about 35 miles northwest of downtown LA, had gone past the first round on his way to the final two.
Now after claiming victory via unanimous decision, the fishing-mad star is looking to end his amateur career by causing a huge splash – and bumping up his market value in the process for when he turns pro.
“I’m still pretty young and I could be in the juniors right now, but amateur junior world champion is not as good as amateur world champ, you know,” Galvan told Sun Sport.
“There are a lot of people that go to juniors and want to be world champion, I respect them but juniors is lame.”
Ukraine’s Ata Atdayev awaits him in the final at Khalifa Sports City Arena.
He continued: “Winning is great and it would mean a lot to take the gold home to the States.
“I want to go pro, so if I win this then I’ve got a good shot at getting a way better contract than I will if I finish second.
“I’m not just happy with amateur. I don’t like amateur. I want to go pro and become world champion – period.
“Amateur world champion sounds good, but pro would be miles better.
“I’d be happy to go BRAVE or anywhere – as long as they pay me enough cheese.”
It is not only the prospect of a pro contract and showing off a gold medal that Galvan cannot wait to do upon his return to the States.
He is desperate to get back out on the sea and tackle another monster.
Galvan added: “Oh yeah, I love fishing. I like deep sea fishing for big fish.
“You know, I take on big guys over here, I’ve always been fighting big guys, and I like big fish and then eat them after.
“My biggest fish so far is about 30lb. Fish are getting better and adapting – but when I go home I definitely going to be trying to catch a 300lb one.”
