Small dog - I lean towards a boxer (8)

I believe the answer is:

pugilist

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'a boxer' is the definition.
('pugilist' can be a synonym of 'boxer')

'small dog i lean' is the wordplay.
'small dog' becomes 'pug' (I've seen this before).
'lean' becomes 'list' (both can mean to tilt).
'pug'+'i'+'list'='PUGILIST'

'towards' acts as a link.
This may not be right. It may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pugilist that I've seen before include "Fist fighter" , "A professional boxer" , "Prize fighter" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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