Basketball Centre Echuca
February 9
With Matt Daniels
Robert Sanders recorded his first win as a professional with a unanimous points win over Cuong Tran at junior middleweight. Scores were 40-36, 40-36 and 40-35. Sanders, who lost a majority decision to Adam Wills in December last year, was
Mafa Telepe made it two straight wins with a unanimous points win at heavyweight over Julian Gallan. Scores were 40-35, 40-35 and 39-36. Telepe controlled the pace of the bout and worked well both at a distance and in close. Gallan tried to press the action late but was unable to outwork Telepe.
Thomas Yakubu kept his unbeaten professional record intact with a convincing points win over Eric Anaba. Scores were 40-36, 40-36 and 40-37. Yakubu moved to 3-0 after a polished performance against Anaba, who despite a three kilogram advantage could not penetrate Yakubu’s tight defence. Yakubu will face his toughest test yet when he confronts the rejuvenated Lincoln Stewart on April 24.
Pat Rullo moved to 2-0 after a controversial win against Rivan Cessaire. The bout, scheduled for 6x3 at junior middleweight, ended after four rounds of entertaining action. A dispute about the scheduled rounds was behind the stoppage.
Dylan Goddard captured the Victorian cruiserweight title with a fifth round knockout win over Justin Bayley. Goddard, a former amateur star, moved to 2-1 after the gritty win and is eager to establish himself as a serious cruiserweight threat. Spurred on by vocal crowd, Goddard went to work early with both hands and led comfortably before the knockout. He is set to appear again at the end of March.
Sam wins Fighter of the Year for Victoria
Sam Soliman has won the Fighter of the Year award at the Hank Stanley Victorian Boxing Awards for 2007.
The popular Victorian capped his year off with his successful appearance on The Contenders and has further raised his profile in World boxing.
Other major award winners included Tim Bell for runner-up Figher of The Year, and Fight of the Year went to Daniel Lovett and Nader Hamden, who will be taking on Anthony Mundine this month.
Murray Thompson won promoter of the year again and Keith Ellis, trainer of the year, and The Fist’s Matt Daniels won the award for media services to boxing.
The Hank Stanley Victorian Boxing Awards 2007
Fighter of the Year Sam Soliman
Runner Up Fighter of the Year Tim Bell
Fight of the Year Daniel Lovett v Nader Hamden
Promoter of the Year Murray Thomson
Best Fight Promotion Keith Ellis Dallas Brookes Hall
The Lionel Rose Victorian "Mr Boxing" Award Peter Maniatis
Trainer of the Year Keith Ellis
Best First Year Trainer Mario Partizzi
Russell Sands Memorial Award Shannon McMahon
Best Ringside Personality Award Young Victor
Media Services to Boxing Matt Daniels
Most Courageous Jon Walker
Most Tenacious Chris Collard
Best Prospect Travis Staron
Best Upset Frank Laporto
Most Consistent Kerry Palmer
Best Photographer Werner Kalin
Best Debutant Zdravco Micevic
Best Round of the Year Andre Meunier v Dylan Goddard R1
Best Sportsman Luke Moloney
Mr 100% Heath Ellis
Most Popular Jim Tsitas
Best Young Gun Daniel Iannazzo
HEATH ‘THE HEAT’ ELLIS TO RISE AGAIN
By Matt Daniels
Heath ‘The Heat’ Ellis and trainer Greg Grogan have set their sights on an Australian title this year despite a slight hiccup late last year.
The 19-year-old prospect lost his last fight, much to the disbelief of his loyal following, against Junmar Dulog by majority decision after eight entertaining rounds at Fort Knox.
Ellis entered the fight as the overwhelming favourite despite the fact Dulog had fought some of the country’s best including Lance Gostellow, William Kickett, Lenny Zappavigna and Alan Luxford.
Grogan, who has trained Ellis his entire professional career, said it will be a great learning curve for the talented welterweight.
“What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger and that’s the case with Heath, we lost a fight we should of won but we will learn from it and move forward,” Grogan said. “His preparation wasn’t ideal because he had a sore hand and we had hardly sparred but that’s no excuse, I think we just over estimated ourselves and underestimated our opponent.”
Uncle and one of Australia’s most successful trainers, Keith Ellis said the loss will do him the world of good.
“It’ll do Heath more good than harm and he can fight Dulog again at any time and at any venue and beat him,” Ellis said.
“He made the weight for the fight but why do that when it wasn’t for a title. He shouldn’t have worked so hard to make the weight for a fight with nothing on the line but him and his team will move on and he’ll be just fine.”
Both Ellis and Grogan were understandably distraught over the loss. Grogan, who has been involved with boxing for 28 years, said he tossed and turned all night after the bout and ended up writing his thoughts down.
“I was just stewing over the loss so I got up and wrote down my feelings and what I thought we did wrong,” he said. “I had a heap of points at the end of it and I’ll show Heath and we will go through them and hopefully never repeat them.”
If he is to win a national title in 2008, Ellis can ill afford to repeat his lacklustre performance.
“We have won the two Victorian titles but an Australian title this year is something I’m looking at, Grogan said. “As long as he listens and understands when to unleash the aggression and when to curb it he’ll be fine.
“I wouldn’t have a problem with putting him in now with Allan Luxford and Cotterill but that’s not my call. Neil and Murray are working together and are doing a great job so it’s full steam ahead this year.”
After a distinguished amateur career, Ellis turned professional three weeks after turning 18. He fought Shane Green in front of an intrigued crowd at Fort Knox but could only showcase his talent for one and a half rounds before dismantling the outclassed Green.
After two wins from as many fights in 2006, Ellis started 2007 like he ended 06, stopping Ariel Omongos in three rounds. The wins continued, including a Victorian light welterweight title win over Brian Fogarty, before Ellis faced his biggest test yet, the experienced but inactive James Swan
. Many boxing observers thought Ellis was biting off more than he could chew even though it had been two and a half years since Swan last stepped into the ring.
Ellis could not have been more convincing, picking apart Swan with both hands before referee Jim Boland stop the punishment 2.15 into round one of the scheduled eight round bout.
“We did what we had to do with Swan and James had been out of the ring for a while so really Heath did the job that was expected of him,” Grogan said.
Grogan said he has witnessed Ellis mature in the gym and is most proud of his changing ways.
“I’m not proud of his ability, I’m proud of the fact when he came to the gym he was very shy and a introvert but now he is coming out and is being himself and it’s great to see him develop like that,” Grogan said.
“He’s a great kid and I’m happy training someone who has the potential to go a long way and perhaps win an Australian title or even a version of a world title.”
MALVERN TOWN HALL
NOVEMBER 16
With Matt Daniels
Lincoln Stewart signalled his return to professional boxing in style with a one round demolition job of Jean Claude. Scheduled for 6x3 at welterweight, Stewart needed just over two minutes to end the bout. He looked comfortable at the weight and will give any welterweight in Australia a solid fight.
Luke Moloney rounded out his year of fighting with a unanimous points win over the game but outclassed Paz Viejo. Scores were 79-73, 79-73 and 79-74. Moloney utilised his reach and height advantage to keep the unpredictable Viejo at bay. Viejo, a crowd favourite, had limited success tagging Moloney but still made his way to the final bell. Moloney will be aiming for a big 2008.
Shannon McMahon ended his year in disappointment after a split draw with Thai Jakkirt Suwunnalirt. McMahon entered the bout as favourite but after eight entertaining rounds at catchweight had to share the honours with the visitor. Scores were 79-73, 75-77 and 76-76. McMahon had previously lost to Matthew Paulley and will be looking to regroup over the New Year in readiness for a promising 2008.
Jonny Walker finished off his year in style with a hard fought win over Thai Anont Donpradith. Walker was pushed all the way by the visitor, who despite hitting the canvas twice, fought on gamely before Walker triumphed in round nine. The technical knockout win came at 56 seconds in the ninth round. Walker boxed well but also fought his aggressive style of walk up fighting much to the big crowds delight. A few good local match ups may be on the horizon next year.
LEISURE CENTRE
NOVEMBER 25
Pat Rullo overcame a determined Matt Williams in a junior middleweight stoush, prevailing at 1.19 seconds of the sixth and final round. Rullo had slowly picked apart Williams before finishing him off just inside the distance. It Was Rullo’s professional debut and a confidence boosting win first up.
Matt Shaw returned to the ring for the first time in six months to win a split points middleweight decision over Chris Collard. Scores were 78-75, 78-77 and 75-77. The win halted a six fight losing streak and will give Shaw some confidence heading into next year. Collard had success at times but found it difficult against the rangy Shaw who boxed well throughout.
Serge Yannick made it two wins from as many fights with a round five technical knockout win over the game but outclassed Niusila Seiuli. Set for 6x3 at catchweight, Yannick was in control from the outset and did as he pleased. He maintained his aggressive approach throughout and is eyeing off a big year next year.
Nigel Snart captured the WBF Asia Pacific super welterweight title with a unanimous points win over Dion McNabney after 10x2. Scores were 98-95, 97-94, and 96-94. Snart had previously beat McNabney three months earlier via a majority decision. This time around he enjoyed the fight more as it progressed and was in control for most of the contest. McNabney continued to throw a lot of punches but didn’t have the same effect or accuracy as the more experienced Snart. A good local fight that was enjoyed by the respectable crowd in attendance.
Heath Stenton overcame a bout of bronchitis and a late call up to defeat Charles Njock on points over 8x3 at catchweight. Scores were 76-76, 77-75 and 80-72. Stenton took the place of gym mate Kane McKay who had about of the flu in the lead up to the fight. Njock started at a hectic pace but the experienced Stenton weathered the early storm and fought his fight. Stenton’s defence was impeccable and his punches were sharp as Njock tried unsuccessfully to dictate terms.
Zdravko Micevic kept his unblemished record intact with a hard fought split points decision win over the brave James Chan. Scores were 57-56, 58-55 and 57-58. The cruiserweight fight went the distance and it was a test for Micevic. Chan come to fight but needed to be more aggressive earlier. Micevic, spurred on by a big fan base, shaded the close rounds and kept his winning streak alive. It was a solid year for the controversial fighter and a big 2008 lies ahead.
DALLAS BROOKS HALL- AUGUST 17
KEITH ELLIS PROMOTION
With Matthew Daniels
Jason Tramsek returned to the winner’s circle in convincing fashion with a third round technical knockout win over Tim Teller at cruiserweight. Tramsek controlled the bout from the first bell before dropping him in the second. He was all over Teller in the third before the stoppage 46 seconds in. Tramsek was well ahead on all scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
Steve Hudson made it two wins from as many fights as he continued his comeback to boxing with a points win over Lightning Lupe. The 4x2 heavyweight contest went the distance but it was Hudson prevailing 37-37, 38-36 and 38-36. Lupe started fast and decked Hudson in the early stages of round one but Hudson worked back into the bout well and dropped Lupe in round three. He boxed neatly in the fourth to ensure the win.
Andre Meunier outclassed Billy Timaloa over four rounds at heavyweight to make it three straight wins in succession. Scores were 39-37, 40-36 and 40-36. Meunier stalked his opponent from the opening bell and always seemed destined for victory. Timaloa stayed on the move as much as possible but failed to threaten Meunier at any stage. Meunier, although disappointed he could prevail in more spectacular fashion, was happy with his third straight win and has set his sights on some big names in the heavyweight division.
Travis Staron made a classy debut defeating Jiy Russell over four rounds. Scores were 40-34, 40-35 and 40-36. Despite giving away close to six kilograms Staron displayed superior skills to Russell and did as he pleased from the outset. He punished Russell to the head and body with his left hand whilst displaying good speed and power. He looks a promising fighter and under Keith Ellis’ watchful eye could go places.
Matthew Paulley ended Shannon McMahon’s seven fight winning streak with a comfortable points win after six rounds at welterweight. Scores were 56-58, 54-60 and 55-60. Despite the scorecards indicating Paulley dominated it were a competitive fight and at times a chess match. The usually sharp McMahon was not at home fighting a quality southpaw and it showed with his punches missing the intended target to often. Paulley boxed well for the duration and was encouraged by legendary trainer Jeff Fenech. McMahon’s manager Peter Maniatis issued a rematch challenge to Paulley on his next show.
Jonny Walker dismantled Bruce Glozier for the third time with an easy third round technical knockout win. The end came 29 seconds into round three of the scheduled six rounder. Walker dropped him in round two and three before the bout was called to a halt. Walker will be eyeing some bigger names to end the year, as he looks set to embark on a big 2008.
Costa Chondros claimed the scalp of James Ellis on his way to Australian super cruiserweight title honours. Chondros never lost a round before ending the bout in the sixth round. He dropped the brave Ellis in rounds five and six before referee Malcolm Bulner stopped the bout to crown Chondros the winner. It has been a long time coming for Chondros who has been fighting professionally for eight years.
Tim Bell recaptured the Australian light heavyweight title with a ten round decision over Marc Bargero. Scores were 96-94, 96-94 and 98-92. Bell lost the title to Heath Stenton in 2006 during a memorable battle but was always destined to win the title back. Bargero was intent on holding and keeping the fight in close but Bell, with new trainer Keith Ellis in the corner, tried to stay at a distance and work over the more experienced champion. Bell was the aggressor throughout and loaded up plenty of times in search of the knockout blow but Bargero, to his credit, made it to the final bell. At the conclusion it was Bell who deserved the victory. Some big names have been mentioned for a title shot including local fighters Daniel ‘Porky’ Lovett and Zdravko Micevic.
AUGUST 25
SPRINGERS LEISURE CENTRE
Leigh Lindgren and Emmanuel Micallef boxed to a crowd pleasing split decision draw over 6x3 at featherweight to open proceedings on the promotion. Scores were 57-57, 59-55, and 57-58. A good bout with action going both ways and a rematch is sure to eventuate.
Nigel Snart edged out a majority decision against Dion McNabney over 6x2 at catchweight. Scores were 58-56, 59-57 and 58-58. Snart landed the cleaner shots and took the fight up to McNabney but was still cautious to the end as McNabney had his moments and never surrendered.
Chris Collard returned to the winner’s list following his loss to Jeremy Allan in February with a stunning third round knockout over Fili Mailata. Collard dropped the visitor three times in round three to end the bout 1.48 into the round.
Zdravko Micevic made light work of New Zealand’s Colin Hunia in the main event of the night stopping him at 1.56 of round two. Scheduled for 6x3, Micevic controlled the bout from the outset and displayed good speed for his weight. Hunia was never in the fight and was sent to the canvas before the stoppage. Micevic will return in a more challenging fight against James Chan in November.
Wyndam Sports Centre - June 29
With Matthew Daniels
LO PORTO WINS TITLE
Frank Lo Porto captured the WBF Asia Pacific jnr middleweight title with a split decision win over Tim Hateley. Scores were 95-94, 97-94 and 93-97. The bout was contested over 10x2 and was an entertaining affair with neither fighter taking a backward step. Hateley was down in round three but finished the fight well however it was not enough to secure the win. A great fight and a rematch would be a great spectacle.
MALVERN TOWN HALL - JUNE 29
COOL HAND LUKE
Luke Moloney made it three wins in a row since losing to Clint Johnson for state honours with a unanimous points win over Bruce Glozier after six rounds at light heavyweight. Scores were 60-53, 60-53 and 60-52. Moloney controlled the bout from start to finish and was never seriously threatened by Glozier. Moloney dropped the visitor in round two before continuing to box his way to his sixth career win from nine fights.
DRAW
Jay Sims and Jean Claude had to settle for a technical draw after an accidental clash of heads in round two ended the bout. Scheduled for 6x3 at catchweight, the bout was shaping as an entertaining affair before the stoppage. It was Sims first appearance since his round nine technical knockout loss to Ryan Waters for Australian honours. A rematch has already been pencilled in on Peter Maniatis next show in November.
PALMER PREVAILS
Kerey Palmer moved to 6-0 in the professional ranks with a round four knockout win over Prince Hamid. Set for 6x3 at catchweight, Palmer utilised his height and reach advantage to work the head and body well before a left hook ended the bout 1.11 into the fourth round. Palmer had shaded the opening three rounds with an accurate kit of punches. He is already scheduled to fight again in August and November and looks a promising prospect under the guidance of Mick Hargreaves.
MCKINNON WINS IN CONTROVERSY
New Zealand’s Daniel McKinnon caused the upset of the night when he was awarded a round four technical knockout win over the highly fancied Jonny Walker. McKinnon was awarded the win 37 seconds into the fourth round after the ringside doctor inspected Walker’s bleeding face. After a lot of confusion McKinnon was given the decision after the doctor ruled Walker unfit to continue. Walker’s camp was outraged as they felt he was winning the fight and in no trouble when the doctor stopped the bout. A rematch is sure to eventuate.
MCMAHON WINS
Shannon McMahon moved his record to 13-1 with a round four knockout win over Fili Mailata. Set for 8x3 at junior middleweight, McMahon had the visitor down in the second round and then picked him apart with stinging shots before ending the bout with 29 seconds remaining in the fourth. McMahon had beaten Mailata over six rounds in February and is still on the come back trail from a nasty hand injury. He will reappear in November and has his sights set on a big 2008.
WALKER AND TEAM WANT ANSWERS
Jonny Walker and his trainer Dave Hagerty are still searching for answers after Walker’s June 29 fight with Daniel McKinnon ended in controversy. McKinnon was awarded the decision via a fourth round technical knockout after the ringside doctor deemed Walker unfit to continue. Hagerty said it was the complete opposite.
“I’ve never seen anything like it before in boxing,” Hagerty said. “He just took one look at Jonny and said that’s it the fight has to be stopped. He never wiped the nose or allowed me to do it and the cut that Jonny had was not interfering with his sight so to stop the fight was a disgrace.”
Hagerty said the doctor deemed the nose to severe to continue while referee Malcolm Bulner indicated it was the cut that stopped the bout. “The nose wasn’t broken at all and although there was a bit of blood Jonny sure as hell could of continued,” Hagerty said. “In regards to the cut it was from an accidental head clash and if so the bout should have gone to the scorecards where Jonny was winning. I’m waiting to view the video in its full and hopefully we can have the decision deemed a no decision.”
Hagerty said he doubts McKinnon will want a rematch. “I thought he wasn’t far off getting put away by Jonny but now his record says he beat Jonny Walker and he can make a lot of unrealistic demands so he won’t have to fight him again,” he said. “We would love to fight him again and hopefully it will come off.” Hagerty said Walker was initially furious with the decision but has since moved on and is looking to return to the ring in the next month or so.
“Jonny was filthy at first but he has put it behind him and he’s back in training and will be sparring the likes of Jason Tramsek and Sam Soliman soon,” Hagerty said. “He will hopefully have a fight lined up in the next month or so.”
On a more positive note for Hagerty and Walker is the opening of Tarneit Boxing Gym. The gym will officially open at the end of July and will cater for fighters and all fitness levels. It is on the corner of Lentini Street and Hammer St in Hoppers Crossing. For any enquires phone David Hagerty on 0419387772.
BARWON VALLEY ACTIVITY CENTRE
KEITH ELLIS PRO-AM BOXING
MAY 25
HUDSON WINS
In the opening professional bout of the night, Steve Hudson stopped Andrew Dickson in round two of a heavyweight bout that was scheduled for eight rounds. Dickson was a late replacement and battled bravely but it was only a matter of time before Hudson caught up with him, dropping him with a body shot.
MAXWELL STUNS ESKANDERI
In the semi main event, Tasmania’s Steve Maxwell upset Yousef Eskanderi with a stunning round one knockout victory. The bout was set for 8x3 but Maxwell needed just 38 seconds to do damage. Maxwell and Eskanderi landed powerful left hooks simultaneously however Maxwell made it back to the neutral corner despite being on unsteady legs. Eskanderi could not beat the count but has vowed to win the rematch tentatively scheduled for August.
MACHINE GUN CHARLIE WINS WAR
‘Machine Gun’ Charlie Arnoutovic picked up the Victorian cruiserweight title with a unanimous points win over a brave Jim Tsitas. Tsitas’ three fight winning streak came to an end at the hands of Arnoutovic who used his ring craft and hand speed to pick up his first professional boxing title.
At the conclusion of eight enthralling rounds it was Arnoutovic prevailing on scores of 79-73, 79-73 and 80-72.
Arnoutovic controlled proceedings from the opening bell and worked well to the head of Tsitas, particularly in close. Tsitas had success early with several stinging body shots but Arnoutovic continued to press the action and returned fire with his quick left jab and crisp combinations. A flurry of punches from Arnoutovic had Tsitas down in the fifth round but the Geelong warrior absorbed the punishment and continued to march forward looking for an avenue to penetrate his opponent’s defence.
The bout was fought at close quarters throughout much to the delight of the near capacity crowd. Both fighters continued to blaze away in an entertaining eighth round before embracing each other at the sound of the final bell. Arnoutovic was rewarded for landing cleaner shots, particularly at close range as he beat Tsitas to the punch with a neat kit of punches.
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