The 20-year-old moved to 17-4-1 with comprehensive dismantling of 33-fight veteran Sam Ballantyne, dropping the multiple-time West Australian state champion three times via leg kicks en route to a first round KO victory.

It was Pennimpede’s third major title in four bouts this year, having already claimed the WMC state strap and the ISKA South Pacific belt to go with another victory on the Max Mauy card in Thailand.

Pennimpede, who fights out of DragonFit gym as part of veteran trainer Danny Jones’ Khrop Khrua stable, said winning a WMC national belt was the realisation of a long-held dream in the sport.

“To fight for a WMC professional title was a massive goal of mine ever since I started out in Muay Thai so to win that title was a great moment for me,” Pennimpede said.

“It’s the most prestigious title you can fight for in this country so to get the opportunity to fight for that title I just wanted to give it everything I had.

“Going into the fight I was really confident. I’d trained really hard for it in the lead up and I’d just come back from Thailand so physically I was really fit and really strong.

“Warming up backstage it was probably the best I’ve felt before a fight so I felt comfortable going in there.

“I knew deep down I was stronger than him it was just about going out there and proving it to everyone and everything just came together when I got in the ring.

“I ended up finishing him in the first round so it was a good performance and I was pretty happy with the result.”

Pennimpede’s win over Ballantyne followed a five round war with highly rated Brisbane fighter Lyndon Bin Doraho in September to claim the ISKA title.

It sets up a hugely anticipated showdown with current WBC national title holder Jake Lund in February next year with the winner laying legitimate claim to the tag of Australia’s best super-middleweight. 

“I’m fighting Jake Lund for the WBC Australian title next which a really big title as well,” Pennimpede said.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting Jake, he’s one of the top names in Australia at the moment. He’s fought and beaten the best in the country but I’m confident I have what it takes to beat him.

“If I beat him I’ll be the number one super-middleweight in the country so I’m looking forward to heading up to Brisbane and putting on a show for everyone and hopefully coming away with the win.”

Pennimpede’s long-time coach Jones, said the fight with Lund will be the toughest challenge his charge has faced as a professional.

“It will be his hardest fight to date because Jake’s very fit and they’re very similar kinds of fighters,” Jones said.

“Jake’s had about 50 fights, he’s got that WBC Australian title, he’s got a WPMF world title so he’s a very experienced guy and it’s going to be a really, really good fight.”