The Melbourne Pavilion was host to the anticipated match up of the Anbf Super cruiserweight title between Melbourne’s very own Heath Graham and Dane Alchin residing from his newly appointed gym in Brisbane Qld. The Melbourne Pavilion was a sold out event. As both fighters started there ring walk, both boys looked in tremendous condition and you could see the hard work had been done. Just when you thought the atmosphere could not be any more electric, the ring announcer asked the crowd to stand for the Australian National anthem. With hands on hearts the roof was lifted as the crowd collectively sung our anthem. Both boys were locked in with Heath sporting the satin white shorts and Dane show casing solid black shorts with a touch of pink. The both meet in centre ring, received there instructions and headed to there respective corners to start there battle for the illustrious Anbf title strap.
The bell rang for round 1,both combatants standing over six foot tall meet in centre ring. It was Dane Alchin who was walking forward pressing Heath Graham and consistently landing his jab. Both boys mixing up the shots.
Round 2 was upon us with both boys picking up the pace and the power, with what seemed a close scored round. With an accidental head clash, Dane Alchin headed back to his corner with a cut beside his eye. His corner got to work and cleaned the cut to almost non-existent.
Round 3 absolutely took a turn with Heath Graham landing constant big shots that were starting to take an effect on Dane Alchin. Dane Alchin being the warrior he is composed himself and headed to his corner for further instructions.
Alchin come into round 4 walking forward but Heath Graham was landing great clean shot with precise power and even a little wobble by Alchin at the end of round 4.
Round 5 was an all out war, both boys landing big shots, trading hard and giving it there all.
With round 6 upon us, Heath Graham lifted to another level walking down Dane and landing devastating shots. This was definitely the most dominant round of the fight. Dane headed to his corner and flopped over the ropes gasping for oxygen.
Round seven seen Dane Alchin lift to another level, up on his toes changing angles landing big shots, uppercuts putting Heath back onto the ropes holding his guard tight trying to recover from Alchins onslaught.
Round 8 was quite even up until the mid-way when Alchin landed a clean right hand on the jaw of Heath Graham sending him to the canvas. With the referee standing over Graham, clearing counting aloud with clear hand signals, Graham was doing his best to rise and rise he did. He was severely hurt and the round would of seemed like an eternity for Heath and his supporters.
With the referee closing in closely on the action Heath made it through the round as Alchin showed no remorse for his injured opponent.
The start of round 9, time was called straight away and with the doctor awaiting in the neutral corner to monitor Graham the crowd was in anticipation waiting for the all clear. The doctor inspected Graham, Graham was responsive and hungry to continue. Ladies and gentlemen we have 2 more rounds. Heath Graham storms to centre ring landing heavy shots on Alchin, Alchin on the ropes with his guard up trying to stop the onslaught from Graham. The referee moving in to keep a closer eye on Alchin, Alchin then fires a large over hand knocking Graham back on his haunches. What a fight this is. The bell sounds for the end of round 9.Both boys stubble back to their corners, tired hurt but also hungry for this title.
Round 10 didn’t disappoint with both combatants standing toe to toe for 3 minutes in desperation to secure the points in the last round. Alchin definitely landing the cleaner heavier shots. Heath Graham sporting a bloody nose and black eye he gave it his all and left nothing to chance. This fight could be contender for Bout of 2025.
With the scores being tallied by the Combat sports board we have a decision
96-96 95-94 97-92 and the new Anbf Super cruiserweight title goes to Red corner Dane Alchin.
