No1 THE JUDG
ES’S CARD by CHARLIE LUCAS.
N0 2. THE JUDGES’S CARD by CHARLIE LUCAS.
We are hopefully off to a busy start in 2018, it seems as if I say the same thing every year, sometimes it’s wishful thinking. The first Promotion in NSW was held at the Star in Sydney on January 17Th and is what many would consider an early start. On top of the Bill we saw Anthony Mundine V Tommy Browne. As one expects with Mundine there was much early talk and media coverage. This is the way he likes to generate interest in any Bout he is engaged in. I must say now that many people have found Anthony to be a well-mannered, polite individual and I have often heard people say if you met him face to face and was not aware of who he was you would agree with that assessment. The Promotion turned out to be a big success and was under the expert guidance of Promoter Matt Rose. Matt has a good handle on what is required and always runs a well organised efficient show.
Many expected that Mundine would be far too experienced and Worldly in Boxing terms for Browne and he was disposing of his opponent at the very end of round 2. In an interview afterwards Mundine spoke well of Browne and pointed out how hard it is for Boxers to develop their skills and fitness for what we would all agree is one of the toughest Body Contact Sports. He also went on to challenge WBO World Welterweight Jeff Horn to what would be a huge fight in Australia. I believe that Horn has other bouts on his mind and will ignore the challenge.
Kye McKensie was on the card in against Emiliano Garcia from Argentina, he has an impressive record against mostly locals in his own country. However, Mackenzie disposed of him in 4 rounds to retain his WBO Asia Pacific Lightweight Title. In an interview afterword he challenged unbeaten Australian Lightweight George Kambosis That is a Bout many Australian fight Fans would que up to witness, in my humble opinion, I hope there are Promoters out there who are listening.
Jai Opetia (14-0) the current ANBF Cruiserweight Champion V Ben Kelleher, this was the first defence of the ANBF Title which Opetia won in 2017, and he was successful in what was his 10th.straight stoppage Victory. Unfortunately, his opponent Kelleher (7-1-2) injured his right hand early in what may have been an interesting Bout and was stopped by TKO in round 3. Most Fans hope to see Opetia during the coming year after he recovers from an injury he apparently sustained during training for this bout, lets wish him a speedy recovery.
During this free to air for Foxtel subscribers I did notice some Boxers looking at themselves on the large TV Screen whilst engaged in a Fight? Not something most Trainers would recommend in my opinion. Shouldn’t they be watching their Opponent?
I also sometimes wonder if it gives a good impression for Officials to become friendly with Boxers? I am the first to admit that I am old fashioned on many topics, however that does come with age. I wonder what others may think when they witness Officials being too friendly with Boxers and calling them by their first name or nickname when in the ring Referring.
There has been quite a few Promotions muted for February and March which again indicates a strong start to 2018. In February there will be 2 in Sydney that I am aware of. JNI & Nasari The JNI Promotion will feature the very capable Lauren Eagle V ?????? on Saturday the 3Rd February at the Hurstville Entertainment Centre, at the same venue JNI have another Promotion booked for Friday 23Rd. February.
Then in Melbourne on February 24 the unbeaten Moloney twins are on at St.Kilda City Hall. The twins manage to be on the same Promotion when they Box and this time they are in big ones.
Andrew Moloney (15-0) V Rene Dacquel (20-6) From the Philippines for the OPBF Super Flyweight Title.
Jason Molonet (15-0) V Immanuel Naidjala (23-4-1) From Namibia for the Commonwealth Bantamweight Title.
While on February 24Th we will witness the very capable Billal Akkway (19-0-1) at the Club Punchbowl in against an Italian Import Giovanni De Carolis (25-8-1) This will certainly one to go to in my opinion. Connections are certainly steering Akkway on a very definite path to the top in my opinion.
Akkway is the Son of former well performed Amatuer and Professional Mike Akkway who Boxed very successfully during the 90’s.
Billal Akway inherited his punching power from his Father, who was on the way to a very creditable Career until a car accident. I have been told by the very experienced and recognised World-Wide Boxing Historian and general authority on our Sport as well as being the current ANBF President John McDougall, that Mike Akkway was one of the hardest punchers he has seen in Boxing. That opinion is from John who has witnessed live Boxing events all around the World and has been in the Sport for over 70 years
I am always impressed when I hear something different in preparation for a Boxer. I was recently contacted by a leading Sydney Trainer. who had a final sparring session organised for a Boxer having his first Bout, Amateur or Pro. The Trainer asked if it was possible to arrange to have a Referee attend and be in the Ring so that the novice Boxer would learn what it was like to be in the Ring with an Official there. I needed one phone call only and that was to leading World Class Sydney based referee John Cauchi. The answer was immediately yes Mate it all assists our Sport. I am told John attended had a chat to the Boxer and of course did his usual Professional job for the required 3 rounds. Thanks to John this Boxer will be thoroughly prepared for his upcoming big step into Professional Boxing.
See you next Round.
Charlie Lucas.