With a Revill yell: Lance Revill Boxing Promotion's 'Pro-Am Boxing'

The published account can be found here

At the Howick Community Centre

The Howick Community Center has served me in a number of ways over the course of my youth. Gym. Basketball. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The “official” destination I used as an excuse to my parents whilst I partook in underage drinking. Tonight, it was to provide a showcase of professional and amateur boxing hosted by Lance Revill Boxing Promotions. The card was thick with local talent including Jake “The Snake” Revill and Rory O’Connell, two fighters I had seen in their amateurs days but had not been fortunate enough to experience as pros. The crowd built steadily and, by the time it began, they were thick with a mixture of anticipation and alcohol. Seven amateur bouts were to be headlined by four professional fight I, for one, couldn’t wait for the action to begin. Also of was that it was Kylie Bell’s (Lance Revill’s daughter) birthday and, with her brother in one of the headlining bouts, you would only hope that fortune smiled upon her.

Amateur Bout One

3*1.5 minute rounds

Blake Hodges v. Taine Clark

Hodges began the first round pressing Clark, who looked to use his movement. Hodges stuns him with a right hand and his punches seem to be more accurate. Hooks with both hands also land for Hodges while Clark appears a little overwhelmed by the pressure. Hodges asserts his superior hands further in the second round and they seem to be a puzzle that Clark can’t figure out. This has all done wonders for Hodges confidence and he comes out breathing fire in the third, attempting to close the show. Clark has some success countering this aggression and gets home with a couple of uppercuts and a right hand.

By pressing the action and having the better hands, Blake Hodges wins a unanimous decision.

Amateur Bout Two

3*2 minute rounds

Reece Birmingham v. Karewini Webster

Neither fighter wastes any time as they both welcome hard exchanges early on. Birmingham is firing off lightning fast combinations consisting of mostly straight punches while Webster’s shots are a little wider but cause much more damage. Birmingham’s nose is bloodied mid way through the round and Webster lands a couple of hard lefts. Birmingham is getting off more but just can’t deter Webster. The second round sees Birmingham attempt to box and use his movement more but his nose is a sanguine mess and Webster is stalking. Webster’s left hand is further on display in the third, where he lands often. Desperation is sinking in as Birmingham’s shots are becoming a little wilder and he can not dent Webster.

With a combination of heavy hands and a granite chin, Karewini Webster wins a unanimous decision.

Amateur Bout Three

3*2 minute rounds

Mike Pirini v. Ethan Kulatea

Southpaw Kulatea makes his presence felt early as hooks momentarily stumble Pirini, who begins to use his reach in attempts to keep Kulatea on the outside. He succeeds for most of the round and moves his head well to avoid any incoming fire but eats a big left hook at the bell. He attempts to continue this in the second round but Kulatea lands a couple of hard lefts and his mauling style sees Pirini begin to tire. Kulatea continues to press in the third and, although Pirini is landing, most of his punches have lost their sting. Kulatea recognizes this, pushes the pace further and is able to land another left hand late in the round.

By being the aggressor and with the success of his hard left, Ethan Kulatea wins a tight majority decision in a fight that could have gone either way.

Amateur Bout Four

3*1.5 minute rounds

Bobby Wetzel v. Bravely Matau

Matau is aggressive early and is trying to capitalize on Wetzel’s lack of experience. He lands a hard jab followed by a one-two that hurts Wetzel. Smelling blood, Matau pours it onto a covering Wetzel and the referee steps in to issue a standing 8 count. Matau is throwing the kitchen sink and Wetzel simply can’t stand up to the pressure. He goes down hard and, although he rises, is in no shape to continue.

Bravely Matau showed a killer instinct far beyond his years and overwhelms Bobby Wetzel for a first round knockout.

Amateur Bout Five

3*2 minute rounds

Brad Day v. Brad Robinson

Day begins the fight fast, landing straight shots with both hands. Robinson has superb reflexes and is able to dodge most of the incoming fire and counter effectively with his right hand. During the second, Day continues to press the action and Robinson remains composed and uses great head movement. Robinson lands a 1-2 and Day responds with a right hand near the end of the round. Day is still wearing his right hand out in the third whilst Robinson implores his foe to exchange with him and is able to negate his size disadvantage with movement of both head and feet coupled with his well schooled hands.

In a tough fight to score, Brad Day wins a unanimous decision.

Amateur Bout Six

3*2 minute rounds

Callum Armstrong v. Caleb Lloyd

Lloyd’s schooled right jab dictates the early action and he is catching Armstrong moving in. He appears to be a skillset above early. Armstrong is certainly trying but his attempts are sloppy and need refinement. By the second round Lloyd is in complete control and a total buzzsaw. His cute skills carry him most of the round but Armstrong is able to land a right hand during an exchange. By the third round, Armstrong has become wild compared to the sharp skills of Lloyd. An Armstrong right is followed by a Lloyd left and, late in the round, a big overhand land wobbles Armstrong.

By completely dominating the bout and winning every exchange, Caleb Lloyd cruises to a unanimous decision win.

Amateur Bout Seven

3*2 minute rounds

James Thompson v. Andrew Schuler

Both fighters spend much of the first round feeling each other out and finding their range. Schuler bloodies his opponents nose in the second and utilizes his right jab. He backs Thompson in the corner and unloads but most of his attempts are blocked. They exchange crosses later in the round. Both come out hard in the third round and Thompson is throwing everything he can at Schuler. Schuler lands a left and, although Thompson responds with a right, it is followed up by a cross-uppercut combination. Almost all of Schuler’s offense is held in his left hand and Thompson hasn’t been able to adjust to the southpaw style.

Andrew Schuler wins a unanimous decision.

Professional Bout One

Middleweight

4*3 minute rounds

Ryan Tauaki v. Rory O’Connell

The heavily muscled Tauaki throws wide hooks from the get go. He wears a couple of right hands and is attempting the bully O’Connell, who seems relaxed and composed. Tauaki connects with a right hand in the second but doesn’t have the power in his fists to do any serious damage. O’Connell’s timing has seemed off thus far, he is clearly the superior fighter but is making the night hard on himself. He lands often with the right hand, at one point stunning Tauaki however he can not capitalize. Tauaki is making a real fist of the third, bringing the fight to O’Connell and not allowing him to get his punches off. They are exchanging right hands but O’Connell just seems like he is being beaten to the punch. Tauaki continues to come forward in the fourth and lands a couple of right hands but his conditioning is beginning to fail him. O’Connell scores with his lead hook and then connects a pair of right hands late in the round.

Rory O’Connell wins a tougher-than-expected majority decision.

Professional Bout Two

Super Middleweight

4*3 minute rounds

Gunner Jackson v. Ryan O’Connell

O’Connell is fairly dominant in the opening stanza landing right hands, boxing well and catching most of Jackson’s shots. He continues to control the bout during the second however Jackson begins to connect with both hands, including a 1-2 that hurts O’Connell. Unfortunately, Jackson is also prepared to fight dirty and continues to punch after the bell. Jackson is shown a little bit more respect in the third as he is starting to dictate the pace of the fight and land all the meaningful punches. His confidence is growing and, by the end of the round, is loading up and connecting. The fourth round sees Jackson in total control and landing huge right hands. One of these has O’Connell in trouble and Jackson pours it on. Another right hand followed by a flurry forces the referee to step in.

Gunner Jackson wins by fourth round technical knockout.

Professional Bout Three

Cruiserweight

4*3 minute rounds

Jake Revill v. Monte Fauea

Revill comes out landing his heavy jab followed by a left to the body and a right hand upstairs. Fauea is visibly upset by his opponent trying to engage him in the sport of boxing and gestures to Revill, before wrestling him to the ground and putting him in a headlock. Fauea’s early antics are an embarrassment to himself, the gym he represents and the sport that pays him. After much confusion and deliberation, the bout continues and Fauea is able to land a right hand. Revill returns the favour and, after the bell, Fauea continues to punch. Disgusting. He comes out hard in the second and instantly eats a right hand. Another Revill right, has Fauea in trouble and he crumbles under the follow up pressure. Apparently not satisfied with being dominated and brutally stopped, Fauea continues to yell and rant after the bout has concluded.

Jake Revill wins by second round knockout.

Professional Bout Four

Heavyweight ‘swing’ bout

6*3 minute rounds

John Ellis Jr. v. Hassan Chitsaz

I had heard much about the 52 year old Chitsaz, surprisingly all of it good. Undefeated with all wins coming by the short route. World ranked by various organizations. Holder of multiple titles. And it was with a sense of anticipation that I viewed this bout. His opponent, with a ‘meager’ 2-0 record, seemed to be heavily overmatched. In fact, in the minds of many, we were about to witness a slaughter. The bout begins and Chitsaz goes to touch gloves. Ellis steps inside and delivers a cannonball right hand that drops Chitsaz on his face. He attempts to rise but face plants back onto the mat. The bout is over.

Say what you want about Ellis’ punch. They had touched gloves before the bout had begun and, once the bell rings, you must protect yourself at all times. Chitsaz didn’t and paid the price.

John Ellis Jr. wins by first round knockout.

Well. The evening put me through the full gamut of emotion. I laughed. I booed. I was dazzled and cheered. Which is really all you can ask from being a spectator. Albeit one with press privileges (does getting blood on you count as a privilege?). Although on the wrong end of a close decision, I was impressed by Brad Robinson. His head movement, reflexes and countering really highlighted the defensive side of boxing. Which is what it is – a system of self-defense. Caleb Lloyd had a great night, completely outclassing his opponent with his well-schooled hands that helped to offset the size differential. He must have won close to every exchange and, being roughly the same size, a match up with Robinson would have the stylistic makings of something fantastic.

Jake Revill also showed composure and maturity in being able to deal with a ‘difficult’ opponent. His heavy jab, dynamite right hand and ring savvy would make him a handful for any cruiserweight in the country.

Heavyweight FiteFest

*Original can be found at http://www.nzfighters.com/news.php?id=248

Heavyweight FiteFest 'Results and play by play'

Written by Craig Bailey at NZFighters.com Brought to you by Xtreme Nutrition Saturday 14 August 2010 - A.B.A Stadium An intimate crowd took cover from the blustery Auckland weather to enjoy a night of professional and amateur boxing at the Auckland Boxing Association for the Shamrock Boxing promoted ‘Heavyweight Fitefest'. Turntablist extraordinaire DJ Will worked the wheels of steel in providing a mix of skanky reggae, pop and hip-hop as the crowd steadily built. Despite some (ongoing) technical difficulties, ring announcer Manuera Riwai kicked off the event for the partisan crowd, which would include seven amateur bouts followed by three headlining professional fights. The Tohunga squared us away with the big man before the fistiana would begin. 3x2 minute rounds Bout One Welterweight Hone Nathan VS James Walker Both start the bout cautiously trying to find their distance. Nathan appears both stronger and hungrier early and generally looks to mix it up whilst Walker tries to establish his jab and not waste his punches. Nathan right hands make their mark early. Walkers reach advantage and economy start to show in the second and he keeps Nathan on the end of his jab. In the second round, Nathan manages to work his way inside where he lands a huge right hand that hurts Walker. Nathan follows up with pressure and the referee steps in to administer a standing eight count. The third round sees Walker revert back to controlling the distance with his pole-like jab. Nathan is loading up and coming forward but appears too gassed and Walker’s movement allows him to dance out of the way of any danger. By moving smartly and utilizing his reach advantage, James Walker wins the decision. 3x2 minute rounds Bout Two Heavyweight Paddy Junior Lueii VS Patrick Mailata Mailata is applying a lot of pressure early in the bout, landing with both hands. Lueii is trying to keep him off but can't either dent or deter Mailata with his mostly pawing shots. Mailata continues to bring the fight in the second round and showcases his left hand, including snapping Lueii's head back late in the round. Lueii attempts to be more proactive in the third but it is simply not enough as Mailata is landing right hands. Patrick Mailata wins a decision by both bringing the fight to Lueii and connecting with the more meaningful punches. 3x2 minute rounds Bout Three Welterweight Hirini Wikaira VS Andrew Lueii Lueii puts on a speed display early in the first before the jarring arsenal of Wikaira takes over. Wikaira dishes out powerful uppercuts and long right hands which snap Lueii's head back often. A Wikaira right hand wobbles Lueii in the second before the follow up uppercuts and right hands prompts the referee to step in to deliver a standing 8 count. Wikaira seems to have all the skills to go far and, although Lueii is still firing in the third, he is clearly outgunned and is being clubbed by right hands. In an eventful fight, Hirini Wikaira impresses enough to win a unanimous decision. 3x2 minute rounds Bout Four Middleweight Jean Pierre Dupotail VS Vegus "The Black Panther" Winters Winters sets out to control the distance and Dupotail looks wild in his attempts to get inside. He manages to do so in the second lands looping hooks, including a wild right hand that forces Winters back. Winters begins to cover more effectively in the third round but is stunned by a left hand. Smelling blood, Dupotail charges and is tagging Winters with right hands. Somehow he manages to survive but eats a looping hook before the bout ends. By having the more effective aggression, Jean Pierre Dupotail wins a unanimous decision. 3x2 minute rounds Bout Five Lightweight Rueben Webster VS Chad Milne Southpaw Webster shows good foot movement early but Milne is hard-charging and hard-punching and lands hard shots with both hands. This pattern continues in the second with Milne's aggression more than making up for the size differential and he lands a massive right hook early. Webster just has no room to move or breathe for that matter. Milne is still loading up shots with everything he has in the final round and Webster has a sense of urgency with his straight punches. By pressing the action the whole fight and landing the far hard punches Chad Milne wins a unanimous decision. 3x3 minute rounds Bout Six Middleweight Nipha Jones VS Nick Charalampous New Zealand Junior Champ Charalampous wastes no time in putting his well-schooled displays on show. He stalks Jones and lands right hands and uppercuts as well as moving his feet and head well. Even early, Jones seems a skillset below and Charalampous is showing great composure in winning every exchange. A right hand shakes Jones to his shoes which prompts the referee to deliver a standing 8 count in the second round. Even some third round aggression by Jones is eaten up by Charalampous who is overwhelming his foe and showing great timing. The referee again steps in after a clubbing overhand right from Charalampous and, by the end of the bout, Jones has been outclassed in every facet of the sport. In showing great all round skills, Nick Charalampous wins a (seemingly) easy unanimous decision. 3x3 minute rounds Bout Seven Lightweight Aung Sanda VS Angus Donaldson Donaldson looks sharp, and his defense tight, early as Sanda attempts to attack his body and slow him down. Sanda comes on in the second round as he is the busier fighter and landing right hands. Donaldson boxes well in the third and is catching Sanda coming in. His class is really starting to show. When Sanda gets inside, he does well but Donaldson just seems so much sharper. In a textbook boxing display, Angus Donaldson wins the decision. 4x3 minute rounds Professional Heavyweight Eric "No Fear" Fuimaono Hunt VS Ben Naqasima An early right hand from Fuimaono Hunt shakes Naqasima however, he appears to hurt his shoulder badly during an exchange which virtually cripples his right hand. Naqasima lands but doesn't have enough power to make his opponent respect him. Early in the second, Fuimaono uncorks two massive hooks that wobble Naqasima. Another left hook drops him clean on the seat of his pants and there is no way he is getting up. Showing great heart (in fighting through injury) and power, Eric Fuimaono Hunt earns a second round knockout victory. 4x3 minute rounds Professional Heavyweight "King" Afa Tatapu VS Junior Pati Tatapu seems huge in comparison to Pati and lands an uppercut early. Pati comes back with a dynamite overhand right that sparks off wild exchanges. Tatapu unleashes a right hand that drops Pati however he makes it back to his feet and clinches. Pati is still letting his hands go and, although he is on the wrong end of a couple of lefts, drops Tatapu on his back with a massive right hand. Tatapu beats the count but can't clear the cobwebs and Pati lands another right hand and lead hook before the referee has seen enough. In an exciting ‘fasi', Junior Pati wins by knockout in a massive upset. 6x3 minute rounds Professional Heavyweight Clarence Tillman VS Joey Wilson Wilson comes out with the clear strategy of boxing Tillman. He is never going to stop the larger bodied Tillman and uses his movement and reach to win rounds. Tillman looks far sloppier than normal and almost seems unmotivated to engage other than winging overhand rights whilst Wilson is scoring nicely with straight shots. Tillman looks frustrated as he is unable to take advantage as Wilson tires in the 5th round but bloodies his nose. Wilson boxes and moves for the remaining rounds and survives a late Tillman onslaught. In not deviating from a good strategy, Joey Wilson wins a split decision. Sponsors Shamrock Boxing, Transport Diesel and Marine, Brett Sample from NZ Boxer and Peter Grant from Maori Television would be content with the card they put on tonight. It not only showcased great youth and amateur talent but also delivered exciting heavyweight action. Hirini Wikaira showed off his raw talent in delivering punishing crosses and uppercuts whilst Nick Charalampous displayed a well-rounded skill set far beyond his years and both will only have great success in the ring. Junior Pati by far gave the most exciting performance of the night in climbing his way back from the canvas to demolish "King" Afa Tatapu and having the crowd on their feet for the entirety of the bout. Craig Bailey Contact Stacey Simpkin to order images from specific fights on Stacey@NZFighters.com Brought to you by Xtreme Nutrition Xtreme Nutrition, 116-119 Wellesley Street, Auckland CBD Xtreme Nutrition, 30 Totara avenue, New Lynn, Auckland

Underground Operation 6

30 July 2010

From the Auckland Boxing Association

By Craig Bailey @ NZFighters.com

On the heels of the highly successful ‘Last Man Standing’ back in May came ‘Underground Operation 6’, from Lurkers Entertainment and D.C. Entertainment. Tonight we would be provided with 8 corporate fights. The DJ spun tunes and the A.B.A, which provided a more intimate setting compare with the ASB Stadium, slowly filled to capacity. Ring announcer “Lieutenant” Daniel Hennessey kicked off the event introducing us to the three lovely ring card girls. From there we were right into the action….

FIGHT ONE

Sammy Anae v. Sam Davis

Round One

Both fighters start fast and Southpaw Anae lands a left hand early. In close, Davis rips two uppercuts and Anae goes to the body. Davis continues to go up stairs including a great parry followed by a right hand. Anae connects with a lead left and the crowd reacts. Davis, the larger fighter, is using his size advantage well where he lands from the outside. Anae rips a couple to the body before landing a pair of 1-2’s.

Round Two

Action is wild at the beginning of the second stanza where Davis gets home a right. Anae is coming forward, in an attempt to close the distance and go to the body, but is getting tagged on the way in. Another Davis right hand prompts a left hook from Anae that gets his attention. Anae applies pressure where connects with a lead hook. Davis catches Anae coming in with a right before the round is out.

Round Three

Anae ducks a right hand before eating another before they both start winging punches. After a hard exchange Davis implores Anae on, who obliges to shoot it out in the middle of the ring. Davis is buckled during the exchange that prompts the referee to issue a standing 8 count. Once action resumes Anae seems intent on making the most of the opportunity. A pair of stiff Anae rights forces Davis to clinch. Anae seems intent on leaving it all on the field and unleashes his arsenal on a covering Davis who survives to the end of the round.

By bringing late pressure and a southpaw style Sammy Anae comes away with a unanimous decision.

FIGHT TWO

Gerardo Aguilera v. Raoul Whitford

Round One

Whitford tries to establish that long jab early. Aguilera is throwing but most is caught by the gloves of Whitford who continues to stick out his stiff jab. Aguilera jabs to the body but is having trouble getting inside. Whitford’s jab is dictating the action at the moment but some late pressure sees Aguilera land a right hook and a two-punch combination upstairs.

Round Two

Aguilera switches strategy early in the second where he looks to counter but Whitford is still in control of this fight. Whitford is getting home with the 1-2 and Aguilera connects with a left hook. Both are trading jabs where Whitford’s reach advantage really shows.

Round Three

A Whitford right hand opens the round and he follows it up with a stiff jab. Aguilera is trying to be proactive, throwing a lot of leather and closing the distance well. Whitford covers from the aggression and his own shots are being caught by Aguilera. Aguilera lands three big right hands that changes the pace of the round before ripping to the body. Whitford attempts to regain control by boxing lands a right hand before the bout closes.

By utilizing his reach and boxing skills, Raoul Whitford earns a decision.

FIGHT THREE

Stefan Paladin v. Kara Gordan

Round One

Paladin brings a lot of early aggression to the much larger Gordan. It’s all on as both swing for the fences. Gordan attempts to jab but can’t keep the tenacious Paladin off him, who is closing the distance well and landing big hooks. A Paladin uppercut rocks Gordan and the follow up pressure sees the referee step in with a standing 8 count. A bloodied Gordan is able to continue but Paladin ducks his attempts.

Round Two

Gordan seems to have settled as the second round resumes but Paladin is back trying to bring the heat. Gordan is attempting to control the distance however Paladin is closing easily and landing powerful hooks. The round is all Paladin who has aggression for days and is landing on the inside at will, including a big right hand at the bell.

Round Three

Paladin continues to come forward to begin the third and Gordan is doing a better job of picking him off. This does not last however and Paladin’s relentless attack sees him landing big shots. A huge Paladin right hand knocks Gordan’s mouthpiece out. There is just no stopping Paladin at this point and he continues to batter Gordan with hooks and right hands.

In a relentless display of aggression and power punching, Stefan Paladin wins a unanimous decision.

FIGHT FOUR

Marcus Maxximus v. Flowy the Plumber

Round One

Maxximus lands the first meaningful punch with an overhand right. They trade jabs before Maxximus begins to up the pace of the fight and lands a big right hand. Flowy returns the favour with a right and Maxximus responds with a flurry. Two overhand rights from Maxximus force Flowy to the ropes but he lands an uppercut before the end of the round.

Round Two

Flowy shoots an uppercut and Maxximus begins winging the overhand right. It is landing consistently and he puts his back to the ropes in order to lure Flowy in. Another overhand shot forces some sloppy action and both tumble through the ropes. Flowy lands a left hook and the crowd applauds the end of the round.

Round Three

A stiff jab for Maxximus lands and Flowy seems to be a lot more wise about the overhand right. Maxximus lands with both hands while Flowy’s back is to the ropes. Exchanges from both are well blocked at this point until Maxximus gets home with an overhand. Flowy is looking to load up the right hand but the bout ends.

On the strength of his connections, particularly the overhand right, Marcus Maxximus gets the unanimous decision.

FIGHT FIVE

Glenn Altman v. Glenn Barrett

Round One

Altman comes out wild and is pressing the action. Barrett begins to land the right hand and Altman gives it respect. Barrett connects with a right hand followed by a lead hook and just appears to be landing the harder and cleaner punches. Altman attempts to use his feet but eats numerous right hands and a shot to the body.

Round Two

Hard exchanges mark the start of the second. Barrett connects with a straight right, an overhand and a right hand lead. He lands a stiff jab and a 1-2 and Altman just can’t adjust his strategy. Barrett gets home with a left hook before the round is out.

Round Three

Altman comes out with some purpose for the third but Barrett ducks a shot before shooting a right hook. Barrett is simply the busier fighter as he peppers Altman with straight punches and overhand rights. Barrett begins to land combinations and Altman, although aggressive, seems ineffective.

In controlling the fight from start to finish, Glenn Barrett wins a unanimous decision.

FIGHT SIX

Big Mo v. Kapital J

Round One

The much larger Mo goes right to work utilising his size and lands a couple of right hands. He seems confident and is dictating the fight early. Another Mo right hand spurs J on and action becomes a little wild. Mo is the far more effective puncher as he lands a 1-2 and is generally getting the better of the exchanges.

Round Two

They exchange furiously and Mo is coming out better. J is still coming forward but is getting tagged by straight punches. Mo lands an uppercut and J responds with a rip to the body. J seems gassed at this point and Mo connects with an overhand right, uppercut and left hook.

Round Three

J comes out with renewed resolve and connects with a 1-2. Mo attempts to get back into his groove but J won’t let him settle. They trade rights and J seems to have found his second wind. A Mo right hand, followed by hooks, seems to bring some order but J is still coming forward. Mo is going a great job of slipping and blocking and is relieved to hear the final bell.

Even though the crowd’s reaction was mixed, by having the all round better skills Big Mo goes home with a unanimous decision.

FIGHT SEVEN

Mike the Muss v. Paul Davis

Round One

Muss comes out, connects with a 1-2 and seems to have the better hands and movement at this early stage. Davis straight shots are thrown right down the pipe where he lands a stiff jab. A Muss lead hook sparks a hard exchange where the Muss lands another hook.

Round Two

The Muss goes to work with a three punch combination. Both land hard, winging shots however the Muss seems to be landing the more meaningful punches and is pushing the action. Davis is trying to come forward and they trade right hands.

Round Three

The final round begins with fire and they exchange hard punches. The Muss fires off a 1-2 followed by a lead hook. He connects with a couple of right hands with the second buckling Davis. The Muss doesn’t attempt to close the show at this point and Davis survives to see the final bell.

Mike the Muss wins a unanimous decision.

FIGHT EIGHT

Ricky Hita v. Dizzle

Round One

After trading jabs, the action turns wild and not much lands. Dizzle gets home with a right hand to the body. He continues his attention to the body and the rest of the round is relatively uneventful.

Round Two

Wild action continues in the second. Hita connects with a body rip and both steal shots during the hard exchanges. Hita lands a left hook and a right hand counter later in the round that hurts Dizzle.

Round Three

The action doesn’t let up in the third. Hita lands a heavy jab and both load up wild punches. Although there haven’t been many clean lands, the crowd is heavily entertained. Hita fires an uppercut and follows up with a couple of lead hooks. Both are pawing their shots as the bout ends.

Dizzle wins a majority decision.

Another quality night of boxing from the Lurkers and D.C. crew. Although there were no stoppages bouts were highly contested affairs that didn’t skimp on the action. Stefan Paladin was particularly impressive with his aggressive, non-stop action style. I last saw him drop a decision at ‘Fists of Steel’ and he seems to have responded positively since then. Marcus Maxximus also performed very well and that overhand right of his is a grenade when it lands.

Put Up or Shut Up

A full partisan crowd braved dreadful weather to attend ‘Put Up or Shut Up', a Craig Thomson and PunchFit promotion, and were rewarded with an entertaining night of corporate and professional boxing. Those early to arrive were treated to UPFM's DJ Rowie spinning his own special blend of hip-hop, funk and soul tunes.

As the show began, ring announcer "Lieutenant" Daniel Hennessey greeted the crowd and introduced the two stunning ring girls; both named Jo, I was assured that they weren't clones even though that kind of thing is possible. We are to be served up fourteen delicious bouts, which included exhibition sparring, male and female amateur bouts with a couple of professional fights as the headliners.

Exhibition Sparring
Albert Choi vs Hadley Donald

Round 1

Donald, the much taller fighter, comes out jabbing early and is controlling the ring well with his reach and aggression. He lands a solid left hook and Choi appears, at these early stages, to just be outgunned. Donald lands another four-punch combo and Choi is not covering well and seems very aware of his opponent's power.

Round 2
Donald begins sticking that long jab to start the second round and Choi is doing well to answer. Donald is using great movement and parrying to stifle Choi's attack and even as Choi lands a right hook Donald goes straight back to pressing the action and gets home with a right hand. Donald is just overall a skill set above and Choi is no match for anything he brings to the table. He's simply too accurate, too strong, too fast and too skilled and forcing his jab halfway down Choi's throat.

Round 3
Choi tries to make amends starting proactively in the third but he is tagged with a straight right for his efforts. Donald returns to sticking the jab and parrying which makes Choi seem a little out of his depth. He ramps up the aggression and clubs a covering Choi with hooks from both hands. Donald has exerted his superiority from start to finish.

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Bout 1. Corporate Welterweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Tera Moki, 66.60kgs vs Matt Arbuckle, 66.60kgs

Round 1
Arbuckle begins the round by feinting and trying to close the distance but is caught by a jab on the way in. Both are tentative and trying to figure the other out. lands a one-two but it appears glancing as Moki is able to move away from the worst of it, which is something he is doing well in these early stages. There is not a lot connecting through the first round however an Arbuckle right hand snaps Moki's head back before the round is out.

Round 2
Arbuckle starts the second aggressively but eats a jab coming in before landing a jab of his own. He then connectsanother jab however Moki's footwork allow him to evade the follow up right hand. Moki gets home with a jab and Arbuckle charges in and wears some leather for it. Another stiff Moki jab but Arbuckle is once again rushing forward and he manages to trap Moki on the ropes where he lands a couple of body rips followed by a shot upstairs. Arbuckle has been pressing the pace in this round however he should be using his reach to control the distance as he is constantly getting caught coming in.

Round Three:
An Arbuckle right hand starts the round and he follows it up with a lead right. Moki seems tentative at this point and is not really pushing his punches. They trade, Arbuckle connects with a right and Moki goes back to moving around the ring. Arbuckle is able to close the distance and brings sustained heat however Moki is covering. Being on the ropes and not responding the referee issues Moki with a standing eight count. Moki returns to using his footwork to evade the sustained Arbuckle offensive that follows. He, however, finds himself on the ropes where Arbuckle punishes his body. Moki just seems to be punished by his lack of offence; he has great movement and timing but no real firepower.

In an aggressive display, Matt Arbuckle earns a unanimous decision.

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Bout 2. Corporate Welterweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Vanvan Cagney, 59.85kgs vs James Chao, 64.50kgs

Round 1
Southpaw Chao starts the bout by landing a hard overhand, he is certainly coming on strong at these early stages but can't connect with anything of note. Cagney is moving well and lands a right hook but seems to be unwilling to exchange. He lands a jab before the end of the round.

Round 2
Choi opens with a right hand to the body and Cagney comes forward and throws but is countered by a Choi left. Choi is showing great movement and picking close to all of Cagney's shots. Cagney seems frustrated, gassed and is starting to get a little wild. One of these gets home which Choi acknowledges before bringing the heat and, although Cagney is covering, they still seem to take effect.

Round 3
Cagney starts the round proactively however his shots have nothing on them as he seems too aware of getting tagged. Seeing this, Choi ramps up the aggression and has Cagney covering. A great Choi hook shakes Cagney who is attempting to cover up and move away. Cagney is way too defensive to be in this fight as he just seems frustrated by Choi's southpaw style and skills.

James Choi wins a unanimous decision.

---

Bout 3. Corporate Cruiserweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Danny Ugapo, 87.00kgs vs Beau Milner, 80.90kgs

Round 1
Milner opens with a right to the body and Ugapo responds with a lightning fast one-two. Milner goes to the body followed by a left hook upstairs yet Ugapo answers right back and only seems willing to engage. A stiff Milner jab backs Ugapo off and he also lands a jab to the body followed by an overhand right. Although both engage willingly, Milner has been the more aggressive in the first round.

Round 2
Milner misses with a wild right hook to start the second and Ugapo gets home a shot to the body. They exchange right hands however Ugapo's is the more decisive and Milner covers. They again trade rights and clash heads as their exchanges, although hard, are becoming wild. Milner is still pressing forward but eats a nice uppercut from Ugapo on the ropes. He lands a ripping right to the body but Ugapo's punch resistance is strong.

Round 3
The final stanza sees a return to the hard action that has defined this bout and neither shows signs of tiring. Ugapo is starting to land more frequently and connects with a good right hand. Milner is coming forward and throwing vicious shots, which Ugapo is eating for lunch and still seems hungry. Milner lands a left to the body and is caught by an uppercut coming in. Ugapo starts bringing the heat and connects with a one-two. Milner seems discouraged from exchanging with the late pressure.

By having a busier first and second round, Beau Milner wins a hard fought split decision

---

Bout 4. Corporate Middleweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Ben Vaughan, 72.00kgs vs Adrian Bentley, 69.80kgs

Round 1
Both start fast, Bentley flurries but not much lands. A Vaughn left hook and right hand wobbles Bentley on the ropes but he manages to move away. Vaughn is loading up his shots successfully and he backs Bentley into the ropes where they clinch and the ref breaks them up. He displays great early parrying as he is able to block most of Bentley's punches. A Vaughn right hand has Bentley covering on the ropes. He tries to move and Vaughn chases until Bentley backs him off with a jab.

Round 2
Vaughn eats two uppercuts from a Bentley but he is showing good head movement and is able to parry most of the offence. Bentley throws a lead hook, which Vaughn returns and then savages Bentley's mid before delivering an overhand right. Bentley responds with a jab, which is blocked, followed by a right hand. He tries to flurry but Vaughn's defence means it is all picked off. Two more overhand rights have Bentley backing up.

Round 3
Vaughn feints and lands a left hook that backs Bentley up. Another overhand right gets Bentley's attention but he is unable evade the following. The action is all Vaughn as he connects with hard hooks to the body and lands a counter right when Bentley attempts to throw. Bentley is backed against the ropes and lets fly with a couple of uppercuts that don't really land.

Although Bentley was game, Ben Vaughn simply had the better hand and earns a unanimous decision.

---

Bout 5. Corporate Heavyweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Niko Muliagatele, 103.60kgs vs Matt Hay, 110.80kgs

Round 1
The early going sees Hay attempting to jab and box the considerably shorter Muliagatele, who is throwing looping shots but not connecting. By keeping his jab in Muliagatele's face, Hay is not allowing him to close the distance andMuliagatele's punches are becoming even more wild as he stalks Hay and gets home an overhand right and body rip.

Round 2
Muliagatele unleashes a thudding overhand right but Hay shakes it off and returns to sticking and moving. He is doing a great job of boxing the stalking Muliagatele who slips a punch and responds with a left hook. He lands another cracking overhand right that is partially blocked and Hay responds with a right hand. The action is becoming sloppy and Hay catches Muliagatele coming in before the round ends.

Round 3
Hay begins the third with a right hand to the body followed by a stiff jab. Muliagatele is still winging wild shots and losing the exchanges to the tighter Hay who connects with a one-two. If only Muliagatele was a sharper boxer, as he seems to have the desire and power. He finally connects with a right hand but has been failed by his inaccuracy.

By displaying the better boxing and the straighter punches, Matt Hay wins by unanimous decision.

---

Bout 6. Corporate Women's Super Featherweight Contest 3 x 1 minute rounds

Kelly van Dorsten, 58.50kgs vs Elayna Verhaaren, 56.30kgs

Round 1
Verhaaren lands a one-two off the bat. Van Dorsten is coming forward and seems the stronger fighter. Any notion of defence is out the window as both land at will. Verhaaren connects with a jab and then goes to the body. Van Dorsten is utilising her long jab and, given that her opponent looks more like a cheerleader than a pugilist, it is almost a shame to see Verhaaren getting punched in the face. They exchange right hands before the end of the round.

Round 2
Van Dorsten's reach advantage is starting to show however Vanhaaren gets in a right hand. Vanhaaren is starting to evade more and attack the body but there is not much hot sauce on her punches. She lands a one-two to Van Dorsten's jab and follows up with a left hook. Van Dorsten uses her hard jab to back up her opponent before firing an overhand right.

Round 3
Van Dorsten lands a right hand they both exchange jabs. Vanhaaren throws the one-two with the two getting home. They both paw with the jab before Vanhaaren lands a right hook. They both exchange hooks and Vanhaaren is surging although it is a little wild. Van Dorsten's jab is almost gone and Vanhaaren finishes the stronger fighter.

Given the nip-tuck nature of this bout, it was no surprise that it ended in a draw.

Bout 7. Corporate Heavyweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Jarrod Murray, 90.10kgs vs Glen Farr, 93.00kgs

Round 1
The bout begins with an exchange of jabs. Farr lands a counter right before they trade right hooks. Murray is doing a good job of controlling the centre of the ring but he misses with wild shots and Farr counters. A left hand to the body staggers an off balance Murray.

Round 2
Murray lands a hard right hand early and the follow up assault has Farr down but he rises and beats the count. They trade wildly then Murray lands a hard jab and a right hand to the body. Farr's solid jab just can't back Murray off him and he flurries on a covering Murray.

Round 3
Far connects with a left hand and starts to pour it on. Not much lands for him and Murray responds with a right hand that backs him up. Farr is still sticking that stiff jab in his face but it is doing little functionally to Murray other than bloodying his nose. Farr lands two uppercuts off the ropes but can't keep Murray off him as the bout ends

Jarred Murray wins by split decision

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Bout 8. Corporate Light Heavyweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Scott Thomson, 77.30kgs vs Leroy Morris-Peneha, 79.30kgs

Round 1
Peneha opens by landing a right hand to the body and using his head movement to evade the pawing jab of Thomson. Peneha goes back to the body, slips a punch then gets home with an overhand right. They both trade and Peneha connects with a right hand. He is displaying great movement and connects with a pair of jabs to the body. A right hand shakes Thomson to his shoes and Peneha pours it on with dynamite right hands. Thomson is in serious trouble but is saved by the bell.

Round 2
Peneha, sensing Thomson hasn't recovered, is looking for a big shot. He moves and slips punches before delivering a big hook to Thomson's mid. Thomson answers with a right hand and is then forced to weather Peneha's arsenal. Thomson eats a massive right hand which has him on unstable legs and Peneha keeps firing shots through the loose guard of his opponent. Thomson goes down hard and the referee doesn't even bother to count.

Leroy Peneha puts his explosive power on display in a KO win over Scott Thomson

---

Bout 9. Corporate Women's Middleweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Courtney Sweeney, 75.50kgs vs Flo Alesana, 68.80kgs

Round 1
Sweeney is using her considerable height and reach advantage to full effect in deploying her jab. Alesana lands a big right hand but Sweeney is able to shake it off. Sweeney gets inside Alesana's range and eats another right hand. Alesana unleashes two hooks to the body but they have little behind them. Sweeney is able to get back in control of the distance using her jab and straighter punches. Alesana is really loading up her shots but Sweeney is landing three to every one.

Round 2
Alesana turns up the tempo early and backs Sweeney into a corner. Sweeney is far more accurate and active as well as having the better feet and speed. Alesana lands two right hands, the second of which rocks Sweeney who continues to throw straight punches and use her movement.

Round 3
Sweeney continues to use her reach and control the distance. Alesana connects with a right hand and Sweeney rallies and is pouring on straight shots. She is just the more proactive fighter whereas Alesana keeps looking to load up the right hand. A nice one-two lands for Sweeney but Alesana wears it without blinking. Alesana is still coming forward and walks into an uppercut before being attacked to the body. The bout ends with Sweeney firing straight shots.

In being more accurate and active, Courtney Sweeney wins by split decision.

---

Bout 10. Corporate Women's Cruiserweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Sabine Brooke, 84.10kgs vs Faith Gabriel, 89.00kgs

Round 1
Brooke is an absolute amazon in contrast to the solidly built Gabriel and attempts to establish the jab early. She is not controlling the distance well enough which allows Gabriel to rip at her body. A pair of lead hooks do nothing to cease Gabriel's advance, they exchange jabs and Brooke lands a right hand.

Round 2
Brooke looks to box and Gabriel is putting all her faith in her right hand. Brooke eats one and returns to jabbing, unfortunately she is just pawing it which doesn't keep Gabriel out of range.

Round 3
Gabriel starts the third with a big overhand right. Brooke continues to box and Gabriel throws a wild right that spins her around. Brooke lands a great three punch combo and that ends with a lead hook however Gabriel is still pressing forward. Brooke's composure disappears briefly and eats a pair of huge right hands. Gabriel continues to land right hands which forces Brooke to tie her up. Gabriel senses that Brooke is tiring and starts to push the pace.

It was too little, too late for Faith Gabriel as Sabine Brooke edges by with a split decision.

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Bout 11. Corporate Heavyweight Contest 3 x 2 minute rounds

Scott Murray, 113.00kgs vs Phineas Mann, 108.50kgs

Round 1
Mann starts off attacking the body of Murray and moving his head well. Murray unleashes a looping left hook that finds home. Murray is fairly wild in his attack but, being the larger fighter, he manages to catch Mann coming in. Murray is showing little to no movement but is dominant through his superior timing. Another Murray left hand buckles Mann and the follow up assault sees the referee step in and administer a standing eight count. Mann goes back to the body and manages to back Murray off with a lead hook. The trade hooks before the round ends.

Round 2
Murray lands a couple of his long jabs to start the second. Even though Mann seems the more athletic fighter, he just can't make it work and Murray lands another jab followed by a right hand to the body. Another big Murray right hand sees the referee step in again and give a standing eight count. Murray is just landing the cleaner, harder punches at this point and he tees off on Mann on the ropes to which Mann responds with hooks of his own.

Round 3
Murray seems content to pot shot whilst Mann is unsuccessful in his attempts to string together any offence. They exchange right hands, with Murray's being the harder of the two. Murray presses Mann on the ropes and wings away with hooks, one of which snaps Mann's head back. Mann attempts to fight out of it but eats a hard right and just begins winging punches. Another Murray right hand sees Mann clinch.

With the harder punches and the better timing, Scott Murray comes away with a unanimous decision.

---

We take a break in the card to showcase some "big glove action." Two merry competitors are lead to the ring for a one-minute, all-out brawl with the audience deciding the victor. Instead of touching gloves the blue corner takes the chance to land a cheap shot. The blue corner obviously has no grasp of the sweet science as he holds and hits and generally fights dirty. The red corner gets home with a hard right and the audience applauds and the blue corner throws him to the ground. The red corner gets up and displays tenacity in landing another right hand. From here the skill really dissipates as the blue corner takes off one glove in order to make it a "fair" fight. The round ends and the red corner is deservedly awarded the victor.

Bout 12. Professional Heavyweight Contest 4 x 3 minute rounds

Clarence Tillman(USA), 138.60kgs vs John Argall, 123.30kgs

Round 1
Argall starts fast and lands a right to the body followed by a one-two. Tillman is covering but seems fairly lethargic. Bothcircle and Argall's wide shots are blocked although he sneaks another right to the body. Tillman's jab is snaking but Argall seems sold on landing that right to the body. Argall throws a stiff jab before going back to the body. An exchange sees Tillman get home a right hand.

Round 2
Tillman puts his overhand right to work early. Argall lands and Tillman pretends to wobble before coming forward and landing a one-two that makes Argall respect his power. Argall returns the one-two and Tillman once again plays to the crowd before delivering a huge left hook. Argall clinches where Tillman finds space to throw some uppercuts. They break and Tillman corners Argall and catches him with a massive right hand which puts him down hard. Argall makes it back to his feet but Tillman applies pressure and lands another right hand that returns him to the mat. The ref begins to count but it is clear that Argall doesn't want it anymore.

Showing massive power, Clarence Tillman wins by knockout.

Referee: Andrew Bell
Judges: Carrick Belton, Geoff Belton, Greg Burgess

Result: Win to C. Tillman, TKO2. 2mins 59secs. 19/18, 19/17, 20/16

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Bout 13. Professional Heavyweight Contest 4 x 3 minute rounds

Jamieson Bostic (USA), 84.00kgs vs Vini Mahoni, 95.00kgs

Round 1
Southpaw Bostic starts by sticking out that long jab and landing a one-two. He repeats the process and shows greatfootwork in being able to evade Mahoni's shots. Mahoni connects with a right but Bostic fires back immediately. Bostic is using his jab well and causing Mahoni to miss. Bostic is firing off more jabs than the beginning of flu season when he feints and throws a straight left that puts Mahoni on his pants. He spends the rest of the round looking for a big finishing shot.

Round 2
Mahoni flurries but Bostic moves away from most of it. Mahoni throws and is countered by an uppercut. Bostic is pawing the jab, controlling the distance and Mahoni just can't close effectively. Bostic lands an uppercut and lead hook and Mahoni's efforts are glancing at best. A pair of big overhand right lands for Mahoni which don't faze Bostic and he returns to deploying that long jab.

Round 3
Bostic comes out aggressively at the start of the third but walks into a straight right hand. He is wearing shots well though as Mahoni ducks and shoots a right hand to the body.Mahoni covers from a Bostic combination which ends on a connecting right hook to the body. A big right hand for Mahoni has the crowd on their feet. Bostic rallies with an uppercut and two left leads and Mahoni responds with a right hand.

Round 4
Mahoni is wild and Bostic's movement means that he is gone before Mahoni's punches get there. Mahoni shoots inside and is caught by an uppercut before landing a right hand. Bostic tries to clinch and Mahoni fires an uppercut. Two left hand leads land for Bostic who is still moving really well and making Mahoni chase him. Mahoni just can't land anything.

Using superior reach and movement, Jameson Bostic wins a gritty split decision against a game Vini Mahoni who only took the fight on short notice. Even though the decision is unpopular, Bostic simply was the superior fighter.

Referee: John Conway
Judges: Carrick Belton, Geoff Belton, Greg Burgess

Result: Win to J. Bostic, Majority Points. 38/38, 40/35, 40/35

Opinion: Tua - Barrett

This Sunday (NZ time) we see heavyweight David "The Tuamanator" Tua take on former world title challenger Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett. Tua has been relatively active since October ’09 after a two year absence from the ring due to legal and managerial issues. This will be his third comeback bout which included a second round destruction of heavyweight countryman Shane Cameron and a decision win over the granite chinned Friday Ahunanya. A win for the WBO #2 ranked Tua would mean that he would inch closer to a title shot (David Haye also used Barrett as a springboard) however he would have to do so emphatically. A loss for either man would spell the end of their respective careers as both are inching closer to 40 and Monte Barrett, in particular, will be trying to halt a three fight skid.

DAVID TUA 51-3-1 (43 KOs)

STRENGTHS

We all know how David Tua rolls – left hooks to the dome. In fact, he seems to do so with such success that it seems to be his only major offense. And, hell, why not? If nobody can stand up to it then is there really any need to develop anything further? Of late, however, Tua’s offense seems a lot more well rounded as anything he threw put Cameron on the mat and he varied his attack in his last bout with Ahunanya. That left hand still has ‘kefe’ written all over it, as shown against Mexican Heavyweight Champion Saul Montana.

Tua also seems to have a lot more momentum going in. A draw with Hasim Rahman in March ’03 is the only blight on his ledger since he was outboxed by Chris Byrd way back in August of 2001. That’s almost nine years without a loss. Since his career “went to the Byrds” Tua has stopped the undefeated Fres Oquendo, former heavyweight titlist Michael Moorer, and contenders such as the aforementioned Cameron and Ahunanya. Sandwiched between these bouts, however, are some truly awful opponents and Barrett will be the most credible foe he has faced in a number of years.

"The Tuamanator's" chin and defense has always been completely underrated. He was knocked down after the bell at the end of his draw with Rahman but, being completely unprepared to take a punch, Tua was undoubtedly going to react. Before that incident, the last time Tua touched down was when he was stopped by three time Olympic champion Felix Savon at the 1991 World Amateur Championships. He has never been seriously hurt in a bout and hardly ever takes a backward step, which is also due to his head movement and parrying ability.

WEAKNESSES

Tua's condition has been unreliable at best. For someone who first turned pro weighing 200 pounds, he has ballooned up to as much as 253 and not looking in the best condition. These fluctuations put a serious damper on Tua’s productivity and, at the worst of times, he has looked like a world class puncher who doesn’t want to throw a punch. To his credit, Tua has been under 240 for his last four bouts and, the last two in particular, have seen Tua put massive emphasis on his physical conditioning. This focus on conditioning seems to have drained Tua of some of his power and his shots are not landing with the same force we have come accustomed to but, if he is throwing more of them, then at least a proactive style will mean he is not in a position where he is behind on the cards and has to look for a stoppage late in the bout. It is exactly this position which has forced him into seeking desperate late knockouts over the likes of Oleg Maskaev, Hasim Rahman and Fres Oquendo.

As much people love to talk about Tua’s left hand, we must note he has been almost entirely reliant on it which has made him rather one-dimensional. Anyone with any semblance of a jab and the movement to stay out of the way of the left has a better than average chance of coming out on top. Barrett is a tall heavyweight and, if he can assert any kind of stick and move and control the distance, may just be all Tua can handle.

MONTE BARRETT 34-9 (24 KOs)

STRENGTHS

At 6’3’’, Barrett will be the tallest opponent Tua has faced in a long time. At (a billed height of) 5’10’’, Tua has massive problems with taller fighters who can establish the jab and control the distance. Hell, Tua only scraped by with a split decision over the 6’4’’ Cisse Salif in October of ’05 as he had difficulties trying to get inside and when he could, he just couldn’t dent him. However, to date, of Salif’s 17 losses only one has come via the short route and Barrett’s chin is certainly not of that calibre.

Barrett also has the edge in competition faced of late in facing a bevy of the heavyweight elite. True, most of these were in losing efforts however has notable wins on his ledger including stoppages of the then undefeated Owen Beck, overhyped challenger Tye Fields and a decision win over former contender Dominic Guinn. His notable losses have been against Odlanier Solis, David Haye, Nikoly Valuev, Hasim Rahman and Wladimir Klitschko. The 2008 first round stop of Tye Fields is his best win of late.

Although not a legitmate show-stopper, Barrett has a pretty hard uppercut. If Tua does manage to get inside of him then there will be plenty to think about before letting his hands go. This tool may be vital in controlling distance with Tua, which is the time-tested method to beat him.

WEAKNESSES

The most glaring of all Barrett’s weaknesses is his obvious lack of punch resistance. Five of his nine losses are by stoppage with two of his last three ending with him on his back. Albeit these were to two big punchers in the form of Solis and Haye however Valuev, who has only moderate power, stopped in 11 rounds in defending his WBA strap in ’06 and the 25-12-2 Cliff Couser decked him in 2 rounds in the very next fight. Against a world class power puncher like Tua, Barrett has no chance of withstanding the heavy exchanges and would hope to keep himself at a distance.

Although against decent opposition, Barrett is 3-5 in his last 8 bouts and 4 of those 5 losses have ended with Barrett unable to make it back to his feet. At 39 years old, Barrett is a shadow of the second tier contender that he was in his prime. True, Tua is 38 also but there is relatively little wear on Tua in comparison and he certainly hasn’t been knocked out four times in the last four years.

PREDICTION

Even with a solid game plan, there just doesn’t seem to be a way for Barrett to win. He simply isn’t physically able to withstand what he is undoubtedly going to eat. Failing sudden cardiac death, spontaneous combustion and alien abduction, Tua should walk through Barrett with relative ease. Doing so impressively should help further thrust him into the heavyweight title picture.

Tua KO

‘Boxing is Dead’ and other such fallacies: A reply

Boxing is dead. Or Dying. Such is the claim from the throngs of MMA fans with skulls on their t-shirts. So widespread is this claim, in fact, that these sentiments are echoed by ESPN’s resident MMA fanboi Jake Roosen and C-List celebrity and MMA commentator Joe Rogan. Hell, UFC president Dana White went on record and declared, among other things, that the UFC was bigger than boxing and the WWE combined (Dude, one of your major drawcards came from the WWE)!

I would like to go on record to state that, although I am fanatical about my love of the sweet science, I have a very healthy respect and love for MMA. On any given Sunday, it is the better match-up that will get the pay-per-view dollars and being a reasonable and logical individual, I am prepared to be objective about both.

MMA has done a fantastic job as establishing itself as a legitimate sport. From brutish beginnings its rate of technical advancement is unparalleled in the sporting world. The same skill set that dominated in the mid-90s will get you stopped in today’s contests. Since inception, the UFC has been brilliant in promoting its product with its pay-per-view events now rivalling boxing. UFC 100 had 1.6 million ppv buys, which is an outstanding figure. However, with its rise in popularity, there seems to be a schism between the two fraternities.

The division between, and the derision from, both camps seem illogical considering their genesis. A little research shows evidence of fistic sports appear in Sumerian relief carvings that date back to 3000BC. Evidence of gloved contests appear a millennium later in the Sardinian statues in the Prama mountains. Officially installed as an Olympic sport in 688BC, Homer’s Iliad (ca 675BC) contains the first account of a match. Disappearing after the fall of the Roman Empire, it wasn’t until 1743 that Broughtan’s rules , which were aimed more at the gambling fraternity that came with this illegal sport, that a clear set of unifying rules became apparent. Though still illegal in much of the Western world, The London Prize Ring Rules (1838) went further to define the sport, which still involved elements of grappling. It wasn’t until 1867, and the introduction of The Queensberry Rules (which included the use of gloves and weight classes), that the modern, civilised sport of the boxing existed.

It is generally held that the forms of ‘pankration’, a blend of boxing and wrestling, existed as far back as the second century BC and refined and introduced as an Olympic sport in 648BC. Abolished in 393AD (along with most gladiatorial combat and pagan rituals), it wasn’t until the 1880s that no-holds-barred type events resurfaced and stylistic match-ups were popular during the early 1900s. ‘Vale Tudo’ (Portuguese for “anything goes”) events existed in Brazil during the 1920s and mixed martial arts contests were being held in Japan in the 1970s. Mixed Martial Arts, as we know it, started in 1993 with the UFC and Pride promotions.

So, as you can see, it really wasn’t until the introduction of the Queensberry Rules that there was a clear separation between the two styles.

It seems strange that two sports, which are really brothers from different mothers, would have such a rivalry. Both sides seem fairly dismissive, however, the amount of smack being talked by the MMA fraternity is, at best, misguided and, at worst, obsessive. Being that most of the opinions are based in equal parts delusion and bullshit, I have decided to shed a little light on the major claims.

Claim 1: UFC is bigger than boxing and the WWE combined – Dana White

I really like Dana White, for it seems like he genuinely cares about his sport and he tries to make the best match ups possible. But, in this instance, I really want whatever drug he is on.

A look at PPV buy rates for 2009 does show that UFC 100 came out on top with 1.6 million buys and that, for that year , the UFC held 6 of the top 10 PPV events. However, this event also featured two of the sports top drawcards (in the form of Brock Lesnar, and George St. Pierre) in separate bouts. Brock Lesnar was also in a rematch after being upset by Frank Mir at UFC81. If you look at this in a similar context Tyson-Holyfield II (also a rematch between heavyweights after an upset) did 1.99 million ppv buys, without any type of co-feature. UFC 100 also fell well short of the ppv record, which was set in 2007, the 2.14 million ppv buys set by Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather.

Boxing has put on 11 events with over one million ppv buys. Two bouts featuring Ricky Hatton, against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, was the only instances where there were more ppv buys in the British market as opposed to the United States.

In comparison, the UFC has four events with over one million ppv buys (UFC 100, 66, 91, 92) since 2006. However, ALL of these events contained more than one headlining bout which is a testament to the great cards that the UFC puts on but, if the UFC was truly bigger than boxing and the WWE combined, wouldn’t they be able to get the same amount of buys with less?

Also, last September UFC103 conflicted with the Mayweather-Marquez bout. Which did better ppv numbers? The best count is Mayweather winning by 2:1.

And, after this, when UFC113 was due to conflict with the Mayweather-Mosley bout, what did Dana White do? Rescheduled it for a week later and gave some bogus excuse regarding a hand injury to Lyoto Machida. What kind of hand injury, the type that would keep you out of a major fight, would be fully healed in exactly seven days?

That’s right, bitch.

Then, instead of being graceful about it all, Dana took a cheap shot at boxing.

Whilst the UFC puts out cards with a more constant buy rate, boxing is like having a pet anaconda, it only occasionally will eat a big rat but, if you sleep on it, it may take one of your children.

Claim 2: Too much buildup in boxing/it doesn’t live up to the hype – Dana White

And that’s not true for any other professional sport on the planet?

How about one of the most hyped bouts in UFC history in Rampage-Rashad? And, barring the Forrest Griffin fight, anything Anderson Silva has been involved in over the last few years? Isn’t he your pound for pound king, one of the top draws and, arguably, the face of the sport??

Being that performance in sporting events are not constant, as they depend wholly on the style of the competitors, it would be irresponsible to single out boxing for a variable which factors into every single sporting contest

Claim 3: There are too many sanctioning bodies and politics, you never really know who the champ is

I agree that there are too many sanctioning bodies, it is really just a way for people to charge their champions a fee to hold and compete for their belt.

At current count, there are 76 sanctioning bodies, with the four main ones (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) counted as legitimate whilst the rest are lightly regarded (if at all) and make up the ‘alphabet soup’

Although not a sanctioning body, The Ring magazine usually provides the best ranking system.

But…..

Hold on. Who are the two best heavyweights in MMA? General opinion points to Fedor Emelianenko and Brock Lesnar. Ok. Well, if MMA is so fair and transparent, how come these two don’t just fight each other for heavyweight supremacy? Oh, that’s right, mixed martial arts doesn’t actually have one universal sanctioning body. So Strikeforce guys can’t fight UFC guys and so forth.

In what other professional sport in the world can the two best competitors not face each other? Yes, the two generally accepted best heavyweights in boxing won’t face each other either. But, they are brothers and are purely acting on the wishes of their mother.

Boxing can be awfully political and a champion, if he manoeuvres well enough, can successfully avoid challengers but, at least, champions can face each other (as long as the money is right).

Claim 4: Boxing is all about money

Umm…yeah. It’s a professional sport. Aside from that, issues of money have plagued what could have been the biggest match ups in the game (Pacquiao-Mayweather for one). It is a really shitty thing and a problem that mixed martial arts seems to have bypassed.

However, to say that it is not all about money is wrong.

Look at every UFC event, advertising is everywhere. Everywhere. It’s just a product of professionalism. Not only that, but fighters partake in the rank consumerism by wearing the latest UFC endorsed clothing line (“bogan couture”) during every one of their ring walks. As fighters are introduced, their corners hold up massive banners complete with all of their sponsors’ names on it. For what pray tell? Money.

Given, money can get in the way of match-ups in boxing but its combatants are generally free and aren’t corporate shills for the organisation.

Claim 5: Fighters control boxing whereas the MMA controls fighters

Agreed and I don’t really have much of an argument here.

If certain match-ups need to be made in the UFC, then it is almost a certainty that they will be made. Boxing, with it’s multiple sanctioning bodies, only tends to make the match-ups that the fighters agree to (which mostly involves the right money). If Pacquiao and Mayweather were in the UFC, it would be said and done by now.

There is only one major drawback……

It is exactly this sense of anticipation that makes boxing that much more exciting! If Tyson had fought Holyfield or Lewis in his prime then there would be no way it would sell that many tickets (although the result MAY have been slightly different). Ditto Mayweather-Mosley.

Can you honestly say that the success of UFC100 wasn’t partially due to the fact the Mir had beaten Lesnar (who was now champion) before? Same thing with UFC66, Chuck stopped Tito at UFC47 and won the Light Heavyweight title two fights later. Fans will then assume one of two things;

1. One of the fighters will have improved since their first time out.

2. With a title on the line, the outcome has the possibility to be dramatically different.

So even though the politics can be prohibitive, it makes the big matchups even bigger.

Claim 6: Boxing is boring, there is too much holding

What?! The same people who think boxing is boring are the kind of people who watch rugby or rugby league (most likely rugby league) for the fights and motorsport for the crashes. Straight bogans. Some people just have a different style, which doesn’t mean that they have an inferior skill level just that certain strategies better fit their strengths or their opponent’s weaknesses.

As the old adage goes, styles make fights.

There are many ‘lay and pray’ fighters in mixed martial arts i.e. guys who work into dominant positions but do not attempt to end the fight. Their style is nowhere near aesthetically pleasing but it wins fights within the rules of their sport. Even fighters who rely on their dominant wrestling to control their opponents provide mostly boring contests. In the end, aren’t they just ‘holding’ anyways?

I hate to reiterate a point but Anderson Silva’s bouts of late have been anything but exciting. In fact, as illustrated in his last bout, he hardly even engages his opponents and throws tantrums when they won’t fight his fight.

UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar utilises his size to smother opponents and hammer people out, which is really just a show of size over skill, is not at all aesthetically pleasing and is as less as a spectacle as the Klitchkos using their size.

A very close friend of mine was watching a boxing fight when the fighters clinched. He exclaimed, “why doesn’t he just choke him out”? The very obvious answer is that IT ISNT IN THE RULES OF THE SPORT. It would be just like watching mixed martial arts and, when faced with a grappling stalemate, asked “Why doesn’t he just shoot him with a gun?”

The extra dimensions that mixed martial arts provide do open new offensive opportunities and avenues to win the contest, but there still going to be instances when a fighter is going to disrupt his opponents offence by providing no opportunity to progress.

Claim 7: MMA has made Boxing (as a skill set) obsolete

The introduction of grappling and a ground game has made MMA the only mainstream multi-dimensional combat sport there is. The proficiency in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and boxing make mixed martial artists the most skilled and, probably, the most highly conditioned athletes on the face of the planet.

But to say that it has made boxing obsolete?

Then why is the corner stone of every fighter’s stand up still boxing?

Why are the pound for pound best mixed martial artists hiring boxing trainers instead of mma striking coaches? Yup, B.J. Penn, Anderson Silva, George St. Pierre (that’s the top three pound for pound fighters in the sport), Andrei Arlovski, Tito Ortiz (among others), ALL have enlisted the help of boxing trainer Freddie Roach.

And why, if their skillset is that bad, is a 48 year old boxer, with NO MMA EXPERIENCE AT ALL (whose last significant fight was in 2002) able to knock a former (as recent as 2007) UFC heavyweight champ out cold (COLD!) despite the fact they have no grappling skill whatsoever? Would that, at least, point to the fact that boxing is still a competitive form of striking….just not a multi-dimensional form of combat.

Yep, Sylvia was severely out of shape and past his used by date. But, Ray Mercer was 15 years older and had been out of the competitive fight game for a lot longer. To date, this remains the only knockout (due to strikes) on Sylvia’s ledger.

Claim 8: MMA has better cards

This is one point that I simply can not argue. The UFC puts out consistently strong cards. These are also great value for money as, although there may be 5-6 main bouts, if any of these end early the UFC places an (originally) non-televised bout to fill in the time. Compare this to boxing (with 4-5 televised bouts) whom only show the intended fights without any supplementation if one finishes early.

The major problem seems to be the money involved. The majority of the revenue generated is split between the headlining combatants with little left for the undercard fighters. The disparity between the headliners and undercard fighters revenue is far more pronounced in boxing than in MMA. But, as a sport, boxing is a lot deeper due to its history and, the more competitive something gets through increased participation, the more this disparity is going to exist.

There is certainly ignorance from both camps, from some high profile people who should really be a lot smarter. Why you can’t concurrently be pro-MMA and pro-boxing is beyond me. For, it just seems like one-eyed ignorance as most of the problems highlighted by their proponents exist in their own, if not every, sport. Both are such great sports and we must be in a unique time in history when combat sports are so available. I guess it’s easier just to hate on boxing these days, there is always generational defiance and boxing may seem like an institution of our fathers whilst MMA became professional in our generation. Like an adolescent teen, there seems to be resentment toward where things all came from. But, wearing a ‘Tapout’ shirt (or a black zip up hoodie with a skull on it) and sitting in your room listening to nu-metal doesn’t make you an expert on these things and, all I ask, is that people grow up and educate themselves to a point where they can appreciate a skill set without having to be diametrically opposed to something which is so closely related. It doesn’t make you less of an MMA fan if you appreciate boxing, it makes you more of a sports fan.