The championships were held in Kansas on March 21 and 22, attracting competitors from all over the world, and 45-year-old Macfarlane was one of 60 boxers who squared off in the over-35s division.

After making his way to the final, Macfarlane took on the highly decorated, five-time previous Masters world champion and Texas Gold Gloves champion, Herb Fuller from Texas.

Macfarlane achieved victory with all five judges giving a unanimous decision in his favour and the newly crowned world champ said it was an amazing and rewarding experience, made even more incredible by the fact he did it all himself.

"Especially having made the journey with no trainer or corner crew and having to ask another competitor to work my corner for the tournament," he said.

"It was certainly one of the most stressful periods I'd experienced for years, waiting that final 24 hours for the world title bout."

After Macfarlane won silver at the Australian Masters Games last October, he thought he could go one better and after seeing an advertisement for the championships online, he nominated himself.

The championships were sponsored by Ringside Boxing and conducted by Boxing USA under the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) rules and Macfarlane admitted it was hard to maintain a weight on foreign soil.

With a nominated weight of 178 pounds Macfarlane dropped a division to be matched in the final with Fuller.

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While the title may have been a huge surprise to many in attendance, it is a well deserved reward for a man who is a highly accomplished amateur boxer with 40 bouts to his name.

After receiving the belt he gave credit to his past coaches for all their tuition and advice over the years. Macfarlane singled out the likes of Dubbo's Olympian, Brian Tink, Commonwealth Games representative, 'Bomber' Carney, Australian-rated Grahame Wallace and the late professional, Greg Bell.

Macfarlane was also full of praise for those he works with currently, thanking the young boxers he mentors at Diamond Gym who helped him with is training regime which included two sessions per day.

"We did a lot of sparring together and that was certainly a benefit because they are a lot younger and more agile," he said. "In that regard it was more than just a win for me, it was a win for all of us."

The world champion said the experience of being at an international tournament is something he won't forget as he also got the chance to participate in a coaching techniques clinic hosted by USA Boxing vice-president, John Browne.

"It was great to see different styles and techniques from other countries with the Americans being very skilful with their counter-punching and defence while some of the Mexican fighters were very tough and durable," he said.

With the knowledge he is now the best amateur boxer in the world, aged over 35, Macfarlane said a decision on retirement will depend on the possibility of an Australia v USA Masters tournament at the famous Gleeson's Gym in new York proposed for the end of the year.

"Having won the world title I'm leaning to hanging up the boots but if the Australia against USA tournament goes ahead, the opportunity to fight for my country might change my mind," he said.