Cornerman Magazine 04

AMATEUR BOXING PRO BOXING KICKBOXING MMA

OCEANIA GAMES One more step to the Olympics

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 5 Rocks Canberra’s Convention Centre

THUNDER DOWN UNDER UFC FX2 proves a huge success in Sydney

COMING

AMERICA

TO

Aussies fighting for titles abroad ANTHONY PEROSH WITH

CORNERMAN’S NEW STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON WINNING FIGHT MOVES

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MAY 2012

03

CONTENTS AMATEUR BOXING 3-17

AUSTRALIAN TITLES 2012

3

OCEANIA GAMES

6

Olympic selection trials event in Hobart Tasmania The first test of our National team in Canberra

PCYC WRAP UP

NSW PCYC report from shows early this year

10

PRO BOXING 18-33 AMERICAN INVASION

18

PAUL SHOWTIME FLEMING

25

LUNCH WITH COLUZZI

26

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL BOXING

32

Two World Champions fighting abroad

26

34

Q&A with Penny Pryor

Boxing as it really was

Elite fighters who are dominating the world ranks

kickBOXING 34-52 CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 5

34

REAL DEAL THAIBOXING

39

WAR ON THE NORTH SHORE 18

41

JAMES WHITE – THE INSIDER REPORT

52

Action packed fight night hits out Capital Newcastle’s premier Muay Thai show Sunday bash at North Sydney Leauges Event MC’s view on the fight game

mixed martial arts 42-57 THUNDER DOWN UNDER

42

101 WITH: ANTONY PEROSH

46

UFC FX 2 proves a huge success in Sydney

Step by step instructional series on winning combinations

Check us out online

WWW.ZOES.COM.AU 1300 750 061 810 Princess Highway, Tempe, NSW

dvd catalogue

60

MAKING WAWES

48

OCTAGON CONTROL

50

Interview with leading MMA fighter Richie Vaculik

MMA referee Steve Perceval tells us what it takes to be the man in the middle

DIRECTORY

www.cornerman.com.au

58-59

MAY 2012

ringside view

MAY 2012

From the

Editor: Tomas Vysokai Sub-editor: Allb Etsareoff Creative director: Nathan Wynyard Contributing journalists: Penny Pryor Keeta Nova, James Cooney, Hakan Saglam Sarah Ngo, Kiara Brooks, Matt Spooner, Anthony Potter, James White, Joel Keegan

Corner

Contributing photographers: Milos Lekovic Hakan Saglam Marcel Jendruch Louie Abigail Jaew Senta Anthon Van Den Berg Werner Kalin Shelly Barnes Boris Knapcik Stephen Walton Ross Mailer

I

t’s been a great beginning to the year, and with shows almost every weekend we had trouble keeping up.

Amateurs had their biggest annual event in February and you can read all about it on pages 3 to 5.

Printing: Hero Print Australia We have also put together an Distributor: Wrapaway Amateur ranking for you, which we plan on updating regularly.

For all advertising enquiries: The male Australian team for the 0415490963 or sales@cornerman.com.au London Olympics has now been For all editorial inquiries: finalized and we take a look at their tomas@cornerman.com.au first test in Canberra on pages 6 through to 8.

PCYC boxing events have had a strong 3 months and you can read all about it in our biggest Amateur section so far.

Daniel Geale and Billy Dib had their mandatory title defenses in Hobart in March and both now have plans to conquer the US. Daniel is now heading to America in August, fighting an undefeated Russian Dmitri Pirog, while Billy is to defend his title on home soil first, before he returns to the US. Check out our interviews with Gerard Fletcher (p21), Paul Fleming (p25), Lucia Rijker (p23) and Diana Prazak (p33) along with reports from local shows around NSW. This year Muay Thai action started in St. Mary’s and fight MC James White gives us a very special account of the shows he has hosted this year. (p52,53) The Canberra Convention Centre was the place to be in March, with names like Edwards, McKinnon, Moxon and Capper bringing fans five-star entertainment. (p34-37) We bring you reports from Newcastle and North Sydney where Nick Stone and Rob Murdoch Sr. showcased their prodigies in kickboxing and Muay Thai.

UFC came to Sydney again and set the bar high for the MMA scene in 2012 (p42,43), we talk to Bernardo Trekko (p45) and Richie Vas (p48) |MMA KICKBOXING O BOXING| about their career and future plans. Anthony Perosh shares his moves in BOXING|PR AMATEUR our “101 with” series and Matt Spooner explains the need for speed in OCEANIA training for athletes.

GAMEeS One mor step to the This is our second issue this year and we will print one more time in Olympics September. If you are a subscriber we will extend your subscription to 4 CAPITAL NT 5 ME PUNISH ra’s Rocks Canber tre issues. If you like Cornerman magazine and you haven’t subscribed yet Convention Cen you can do so on page 60 and we will deliver it to your doorstep. I hope THUNDER DOWN you will find this issue interesting and entertaining and please contact us UNDER UFC FX2 proves a for any ideas or suggestions. huge success in Sydney

Yours truly, Tomas Vysokai tomas@cornerman.com.au For everyone that lives and breathes ring sports.

COMING ICA TOAMER road les ab hting for tit Aussies fig ROSH NY PE THON’S Y-STEP ANNER NEW STEP-BMOVES MA HT WITH

COR WINNING GUIDE ON

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ISSN 1839-98

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We’d like to make an apology for a misprint in the last issue regarding the Thor Hoopman vs Gaz Rees fight. The final result was a draw, not a win as we had printed.

Jason Whateley vs Jai Opetaia

NATIONAL TITLES

ONE MORE STEP TO THE OLYMPIC DREAM Boxing Australia started the year with the Australian Amateur Boxing Championships. A total of 280 boxers tested their fitness, skills and stamina over 5 days in Aurora Sport Stadium in Hobart.

O

VER 190 fights were fought with only a hand full of stoppages (RSC – Referee Stopped Contest) whereby many fights reverted to count back with very even scores proving the high level of competition this year.

The Queensland team was one to claim the Team of the Tournament. All the boxers preformed well and we could see some outstanding performances by Jeff Horn, Jesse Ross, Jessica Retallack and Clay Waterman.

Super heavyweight division went to South Australian boxer Johan Linde who stopped a hard hitting Alexey Muhkin (ACT). He also defeated Jeff Saofai (VIC) by 13–4 and Nathan McKay (NSW) 16–7 in the preliminary bouts.

Jai Opetaia from NSW is only 16 y/o and won the men’s 91kg weight division claiming the most outstanding boxer of the tournament trophy after beating Jackson Kruse (TAS) 22–3, Gavin Reid (ACT) 14–9 and Jason Whateley

(VIC) 17–12 in the finals.

Western Australia has won gold medals in 81kg Elite male by Jeremy Van Dieman who defeated Adrian Andrews (ACT) in finals by 6 points margin. 75kg female Naomi FischerRasmussen beat Kaye Scott (NSW) by only a one point 14–13.

Kaila Riley (WA) also Defeated Katie Skinner (NSW) by one point 18–17.

Brothers Ibrahim and Qamil Balla (VIC) made it to the final and both had it tough where Qamil faced 3 time AUS Champion Jeff Horn (QLD) in 64kg and lost 24–19. Ibrahim was up against Luke Boyd (NSW) also 2011 AUS Champion.

Judges saw the close fought contest 14–14 which went to Victorian fighter 40–37 on count back.

NSW scored a gold medal in 69kg Elite male where no one could beat the speed and footwork of Moree’s young prospect Cameron

Hammond who defeated Mark Basile (VIC) 19:16 in the finals, Danny Hayes (WA) 10–9 in semifinals, Abdul Jenzarli (WA) 13–2 and Liam Nicolson (QLD) 13–3 in the preliminary bouts.

Luke Jackson (TAS) defeated Jai Alexander (VIC) in their final bout in 60kg weight division and Jackson Woods (TAS) beat Andrew Moloney (VIC) 16–12 in 52kg.

‘After Beijing we have lost most of our seasonal boxers due to financial commitments and fighters turning professional etc. so since Beijing we’ve been rebuilding the team, so it is relatively young team. Young Damien Hooper only turned 18 [y/o] and I consider him for our best chance for Olympic medal.’ said Don Abnett – the Olympic coach was pleased with the competition standards.

Olympic coach Don Abnett says that Olympic team will be selected after the Oceania Titles.

Read about it on page 6-7

www.cornerman.com.au 3 3 www.cornerman.com.au

MAY 2012

MALE YOUTH 49kg

MALE ELITE 47kg

49kg

52kg

1. Billy Ward (QLD) 2. Josh English (NSW) 3. Ashley Bobbin (SA)

49kg

52kg

56kg

1. Jackson Woods (TAS) 2. Andrew Moloney (VIC) 3. Aaron Wellman (VIC) 3.Reggie Palm Island (QLD) 4. Jared Woods (WA)

52kg

56kg

60kg

1. Ibrahim Balla (VIC) 2. Luke Boyd (NSW) 3. Jason Moloney (VIC) 3. Jayden Hansen (WA)

56kg

60kg

64kg

1. Luke Jackson (TAS) 2. Jai Alexander (VIC) 3. George Kambosos (NSW) 3.Mark Pevinsky (WA) 4. Jeremy Udovich (VIC) 5. Ben Dencio (ACT) 6. Brandon Ogilvie (WA) 7. Nick Cooney (TAS) 8. Tom Morrison (SA)

60kg

64kg

70kg

1. Jeff Horn (QLD) 2. Qamil Balla (VIC) 3. Jake Perrins (VIC) 3. Luke Woods (TAS) 4. Abe Archibald (NSW) 5. Kye MacKenzie (NSW) 6. Shaun Schaaf (SA) 7. Val Borg (NSW) 8. Brett Mather (WA) 9. Terry Nickolas (SA) 10. Callum Cassidy (WA) 10. James McPherson (ACT)

64kg

69kg

75kg

1. Cameron Hammond (NSW) 2. Mark Basile (VIC) 3. Danny Hayes (WA) 3.Oliver Savage (SA) 4. Abdul Jenzarli (WA) 5. Nathan Carter (ACT) 6. John Weetra (SA) 7. Joseph Nicholls (QLD) 8. Liam Nicolson (QLD) 9. Joe Corner (TAS) 10. Mitchell Dawson (NSW) 11. Matthew Newett (TAS) 12. Jorge Kapeen (ACT)

69kg

75kg

81kg

75kg

81 kg

91 kg

91kg

56kg

60kg

64kg

1. Isaiah Farr (QLD) 2. Aaron Crossan (TAS) 3. Shane Carroll (WA) 3. Dean Stewart (NSW) 4. Shaune McLachlan

64kg

69kg

69kg

92kg

69kg

75kg

81kg

1. Cameron Jasper (SA) 2. Chris Mustica (WA) 3. Jack Killinbeck (NT) 3. Luke Travers (NSW) 4. A. Copland (QLD)

75kg

81 kg

91kg

1. Luke Petit (NSW) 2. Adrian Paoletti (VIC) 3. Zac Bacitiaiupo (QLD)

81kg

91 kg

95kg

1. Daniel Sam (QLD) 2. Zac Faulkner (TAS)

46kg

SCHOOL BOYS 32kg

FEMALE YOUTH 46kg

48kg

52kg

1. Marizza Medcalf (NSW) 2. Makayla Edwards (QLD)

FEMALE JUNIOR 44kg

46kg

60kg

1. Beth Nicolson (QLD) 2. Tiffany Travers (NSW)

46kg

60kg

66kg

1. Haylee Verrier (WA) 2. Ann Marie Kelly (QLD)

60kg

66kg

70kg

1. Caitlin Parker (WA) 2. Angel Rushton (QLD)

34kg

36kg Bianca Elmir vs Kelly McGrath

1. Johan Linde (SA) 2. Alexey Mukhin (ACT) 3. Jeff Saofai (VIC) 3. Josh Robertson (NSW) 4. Nathan McKay (NSW) 5. Steven Ivic (NSW) 6. Cassidy Burger (NT)

38kg

38kg

40kg

1. Julian Jeakins (WA) 2. Jack Bowen (VIC) 3. Josh McGaughran (QLD) 3. Josh Fitzpatrick (NSW)

38kg

40kg

42kg

1. Bryce Hansen (QLD) 2. Claude Anderson (WA)

40kg

42kg

44kg

1. Sam Goodman (NSW) 2. James Beasley (QLD) 3. Christos Kastrissios (NT)

42kg

44kg

44kg

46kg

48kg

1. Jack Gipp (VIC) 2. Zack O’Toole (NSW) 3. Tai Hawkins (QLD)

46kg

48kg

1. North Sabetta (WA) 2. Matthew Large (NSW) 3. Riley Brown (ACT) 3. Jordan Percey (TAS)

50kg

52kg

1. Nikita Tszyu (NSW) 2. Isaac Tupou (VIC) 3. Liam Bobbin (SA)

52kg

54kg

1. Tony Nicolson (QLD) 2. Michael Peace (SA)

52kg

54kg

57kg

1. Allan Nicolson (QLD) 2. James Lynch (NSW) 3. Jackson Eirth (TAS)

54kg

57kg

60kg

1. Jake Hadley (TAS) 2. Deniss Kovacs (QLD)

57kg

60kg

62kg

1. Justis Huni (QLD) 2. Luke Adams (TAS) 3. Nelson Savage (SA)

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MALE JUNIOR 44kg

46kg

48kg

1. Jake Spears (QLD) 2. Bazz Wallace (WA)

46kg

48kg

50kg

48kg

50kg

52kg

1. Will Moses (QLD) 2. Sam Ferro (SA) 3. Brandon Morfitt (WA)

50kg

52kg

54kg

1. Liam Wilson (QLD) 2. Jarred manning (NSW) 3. Harry Garside (VIC) 3.Tayler Nudi (NT)

52kg

54kg

57kg

1. Clay Waterman (QLD) 2. Caleb Kozac (VIC) 3. Blake Travers (NSW) 3.Daniel Connop (NT)

54kg

57kg

60kg

1. Steven Spark (QLD) 2. Jack Haines (SA) 3. Sacha Peters (VIC) 4. Lynken Dickson (NSW) 5. Jamie Foster (WA) 6. Tanner Foord (ACT)

60kg

63kg

51kg

63kg

66kg

1. Satali Tevi Fuimaono (NSW) 2. Honi Huni (QLD) 3. Luke Pilarinos (VIC) 3.Ryan Goodes (SA)

63kg

66kg

51 kg

54kg

1. Bianca Elmir (ACT) 2. Kelly McGrath (WA) 3. Kristy Harris (VIC) 3. Eleanor Boden (NSW) 4. Fleur Logan (ACT) 5. Julie Ryan (QLD)

54kg

57kg

1. Cherneka Johnson (QLD) 2. Jemma Dale (WA) 3. Tahnee Clements (TAS) 3. Carly Maunder (VIC) 4. Adriana Smith (QLD)

54kg

57kg

60kg

1. Skye Nicolson (QLD) 2. Kylie Fulmer (WA) 3. Patricia Mullet-Reisco (NSW) 4. Simone Bailey (VIC) 5. Amber Webb (TAS) 8. Tom Morrison (SA)

57kg

60kg

64kg

1. Jessica Retallack (QLD) 2. Sabrina Ostowari (QLD) 3 Shelley Watts (NSW) 3. Shannon Muller (SA) 4. Madelaine Newman (ACT) 5. Tanya Smith (NSW) 10. James McPherson (ACT)

60kg

64kg

75kg

1. Emily Jans (VIC) – photo 2. Emma Carruthers (QLD) 3. Carmen Thompson (NSW) 4. Georgie Bailey (TAS)

64kg

1. Alex Cooper (ACT) 2. Uili Harris (QLD) 3. Matthew Wilson (SA) 3. Joseph Arnaud (VIC) 4. Jessie Travers (NSW)

60kg

48kg

51kg

1. Jordan Dyer (WA) 2. Bradley Stocks (TAS) 3. Bradley Gittens (QLD)

57kg 50kg

48kg

1. Kaila Riley (WA) 2. Katie Skinner (NSW)

46kg

1. Dean Clarke (VIC) 2. Marshall Kruse (VIC)

50kg

Paul Kovacs raises with victor y

one 69kg number ld Q of rn Ho ff Je

36kg

1. George Payne (VIC) 2. CJ Coxen (QLD) 3. Johnny Silvestri (WA) 3. Jack Bowen (VIC) 4. Tyler Blizzard (TAS) 5. Joaby Stephens (NSW) 5. Yianno Parascos (ACT)

48kg

99kg

34kg

36kg

1. Cody Haddon (WA) 2. Mitch Mackie (QLD) 3. Dylan Cochrane (TAS)

AMATEUR RANKING

75kg

1. Peter Proum (QLD) 2. Michael Robinson (WA) 3. Luke Hart (ACT) 3. Peter Hems (SA)

1. Jai Opetaia (NSW) 2. Jason Whateley (VIC) 3. Gavin Reid (ACT) 3. Sam Blyth (WA) 4. Joseph Goodall (QLD) 5. Jackson Kruse (TAS) 6. Aaron Woods (TAS)

91kg

56kg

60kg

1. Mathew Casboult (QLD) 2. Dylan Cooney (TAS) 3. Wayne Fraser (SA) 3. Nathaniel May (WA) 4. Jesse Catt (NSW) 5. Jesse Williams (VIC)

64kg

1. Damien Hooper (ACT) 2. Jeremy Van Dieman (WA) 3. Adrian Andrews (ACT) 4. Paul Wisby (WA) 5. Simon Cooper (QLD) 6. Henry Torrens (VIC) 7. Scott Featherby (TAS) 8. Tommy Smith (NSW) 9. Ayden Tait (ACT)

81kg

52kg

1. Nathan Hinchcliff (QLD) 2. Jacob Santoro (WA) 3. Max March (TAS) 3. Brady Robinson (NSW) 4. Peter Vandergulic (VIC)

91kg

2012

56kg

1. Liam Pope (QLD) 2. Ryan mcShane (NSW) 3. Robert Trigg (SA)

60kg

1. Jesse Ross (QLD) 2. David Toussaint (ACT) 3. Jake Carr (VIC) 3.Sam Banney (QLD) 4. Anthony Buttigieg (VIC) 5. Ross Weaver (WA) 6. Robert Jankovski (VIC) 7. Theo Nerris (SA) 8. Aaron Scully (NSW) 9. Chris Cunningham (NT) 10. Ned Kane (NSW) 11. Dylan Hardy (TAS) 12. Zac Dunn (QLD) 13. Rory O’Sullivan (WA)

52kg

FEMALE ELITE

75kg

80kg

1. Naomi Fischer-Rasmussen (WA) 2. Kaye Scott (NSW) 3. Arlene Blencowe (NSW) 3. Joann Morgan French (QLD) 4. Cassie Lear (VIC) 5. Jessica Bouquet (WA) 6. Densley Robertson (QLD)

70kg

1. Edward Kuras (NSW) 2. Camble Sommerville (VIC)

66kg

70kg

75kg

1. Reagan Dessaix (QLD) 2. Henry Shea (SA) 3. Donald Jones (VIC)

70kg

75kg

86kg

1. Joe O’Keefe (QLD) 2. Jim Mills (SA) 3. Brock Shelley (NSW)

75kg

86kg

90kg

1. Paul Kovacs (QLD) 2.

Andy Murphy (WA) 75kg number one Naomi Fischer-Rasmu ssen of WA

MAY 2012

OCEANIA

OLYMPIC QUALIFYING EVENT CANBERRA

49KG BILLY WARD (AUS) vs CHARLIE KEAMA (PNG) A very close contest was fought in the 49kg division over 3x3min rounds.

Ward won round 1 [6-5] but was behind by 1 point after round 2 [12-13]. He was a busier fighter overall. He started the round on the ropes and counterpunched, but moved more on the offensive and doubled up his attacks. Keama, who was a bronze medalist at the Arafura Games, moved well laterally but was dragged into Ward’s game. After three rounds Ward won narrowly by 2 points (21-19).

52KG JACKSON WOODS (AUS) vs JUNIOR KAUKO RAKA(PNG) Jackson Woods (AUS) looked faster from the opening bell, light on his feet trying to score punches.

Kauko Rakaput pressure on in the first 30 seconds of the first round and kept Australia on the ropes for the most of the round.

Round 2 saw Jackson moving and countering well until Raka hit low. Jackson used his reach and

6 www.cornerman.com.au

evasive skills to collect the points. He looked better in close distances too, mixing body blows with uppercuts. He was leading 16-3 after round 2.

Round 3 was a great display of boxing from the Australian. He was very loose and knew he was well ahead on points. Once in the corner, he turned Raka around and came with a great right left right combination hurting the PNG fighter. The referee stepped in for a count and after letting the fight continue, Woods connected with another clean left hook, finishing the fight right there. Raka was outclassed in round 3.

56KG GAGE BROWN (NZ) vs IBRAHIM BALLA (AUS) Ibrahim Balla shone at the National Titles in Hobart earlier in the year and was well prepared for this event. He put punches together nicely, scoring at will. He always created an angle on the way back, where he scored more points.

His punches looked much stronger than his opponents. He was narrowly winning on points (6-4) after the first round.

In round 2 Balla stepped up the pace using lateral movement, turning his opponent and hitting from an angle. It was a solid round for Balla, even though he was cautioned by the

2012GAMES

referee for hitting behind the head, pushing with his shoulders and punching low.

He was up by points after round 2.

Balla was more relaxed in the last round and showed a good display of boxing, starting with his power hand in 3-punch combinations. He also doubled his lead from body to head with great success.

Ibrabim Balla won 19-8 to take the gold medal.

60KG LUKE JACKSON (AUS) vs CHAD MILNES (NZ) Both fighters had their shutters up, trying to be more dominant and get the better positioning.

Jackson, the taller of the two, had his hands close and was blocking most of Milnes’ shots.

He scored better from a long distance and was winning 5-2 after round 1.

Round 2 was fought head-to-head for the entire time. The Australian boxer was again getting the better of it, scoring with good body shots and uppercuts. Luke Jackson was up 11-3 after the round.

At the beginning of round 3, the NZ fighter ran from the corner, needing to do something to stay in the fight, but Jackson was now attacking in two waves and showing no fatigue. Both fighters’

The Australian team qualified a boxer in every weight division on the final day of the Oceania titles, after 43 competitors started in the tournament.

Of the win, Jackson said, “The main goal was to make the Olympics and that’s what we did. It wasn’t easy, I’ve had six fights in total against some quality opponents” At the National Titles, he faced George Kambosos from NSW and Jai Alexander from Victoria.

much pressure on Livai that the referee stopped the fight after another clear punch.

Jeff is definitely the one to follow on his way to the Olympics.

“I felt pretty good as soon as I got him with that left hook. I was kind of rushed from there, I wanted to finish it straight away. I wanted that ticket so bad,” said the Queensland boxer about his dream come true.

“It feels amazing, the best feeling I’ve ever had.”

Don Abnett says: “Outside the ring he is a perfectionist, you have to encourage him and get him out of his comfort zone in training and he brings it into his boxing.”

Don Abnett says: “Jeff puts in 100% and the results here you see is a reflection on what he does at home. He’s making his boxing easy and he trains hard.”

uppercuts scored more points on the judges’ cards.

Chad Milnes couldn’t do much so the fight went to Luke Jackson on a high score of 19-5.

64KG JEFF HORN (AUS) VS HINOMA LIVAI (SAM) Jeff Horn excelled during the Nationals and he didn’t look like he was going to slow down on the final day of Oceania Games either, after his first left hook sent his opponent onto the ropes and down for a count.

He lead with a fast right hand without telegraphing, had very good balance, head movement and lot of power in both hands.

It didn’t take long before a referee from China had to step in for the second count. he put so

69Kg CAMERON HAMMOND (AUS) Vt MORGAN BOWYN (NZ) Cameron Hammond is a classy boxer from Moree who won a gold medal at the Nationals.

He started the fighttconfidently, with his hands down, only one of a few fighters that can get away with such a strategy, thanks to his amazing evading skills and reaction time.

New Zealand fighter Morgan came to the fight in the last 30 seconds of the first round with relentless pressure, scoring some points on his own. Judges saw it 7-3 after round 1.

In the second round, Hammond kept his weight

centre low, which helped him to move with good balance. He then stepped in and fought the New Zealand fighter from a closed guard. In the last 30 second he started to move again, outscoring his opponent 13-4 Knowing he was up high on points, Hammond tried not to engage much during the third round, using the ring well and covering up when in close.

It was the best round for Morgan Bowyn but the decision went to Hammond with final score at 19-8.

Don Abnett says: “Cameron is probably the fastest amateur boxer in Australia”

75KG JESSIE ROSS (AUS) VS ANDREW KOMETA (KIR) Both fighters tried to establish their dominant position during the first minute. Ross managed to score more, changing his stance while pressuring Kometa onto the ropes.

Ross opened up more in round 2, countering the Kiribati fighter with more punches and connecting crisply on the chin. He was ahead 13-6 after the second round.

In the final round Ross again took a more relaxed approach, moving more and using his reach to keep the points up.

www.cornerman.com.au 7

MAY 2012 n Olympic coach Do Abnett in action

The New Zealand fighter presseg forwarw and the Australian was changing his stance a lot but it worked for him.

Jessie Ross won the fight comfortably and joins the team for London Olympics.

91KG

ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS

JAI OPETAI (AUS) vs DAVID LIGHT (NZ) Jai Opetaia is Cornerman’s pick as the hottest prospect. It was less then a year since the World Youth Titles in Kazakhstan and he is now mixing it with senior fighters.

It was his second encounter with New Zealand boxer David Light. They met last year where Jai got beatenfdue to 2 points deducted for holding.

Jai Opetaia started the fight with a lot of movement, keeping his lead hand down, connecting with his right hook numerous times.

NZ was pressing forward, trying to crowd Opetaia. It was even with the scores 3-3 after round 1.

In the second round Opetaia started to open up, throwing jabs and crosses, keeping his right foot outside his opponent’s lead left.

He looked a bit tired from fighting on the back foot and struggled to keep his opponent away. Light had a point taken off for keeping his head down, whict helped Opetaia to take tha lead by three points, 9-5, after the second round.

By the third round Opetaia was on the back foot all the time, trying to use angles to score points. The Referee took another point off the New Zealand boxer for keeping his head down and thenyimmediately took one point off Opetaia for holding.

Jai looked tired fighting a fighter that doesn’t step back but still managed to score points. Jai Opetaia won the contest well with the final score at 15-10.

Cornerman 1-4pg Ad-02_Layout 2:45 PM Pageso1fast. He was a very “Feels amazing, I’m going1 to11/04/12 Olympics.

It happened

1 week off China 4-14 April Thailand 14-28 April Serbia - 2 days Lithuania - 2 days Beloruss - 2 days 2 weeks home training 1 week off Ireland - 2 weeks LONDON strong fighter. He kept coming forward, kept pressuring me, I guess that’s what he had to do because I’m a boxer. It was a hard fight, I take my hat off to him,” he said after the fight.

Jai had obviously matured since the first time he faced Light.

‘I was a lot stronger and more confident this time. I’ve believed in myself lot more.

I’m only 16, all the stuff just fell in the place, I wasn’t really expecting it at this age.’

When asked if he felt pressure fighting with the best in the world Jai just laughed.

“There is no pressure on me at all. I’m 16. I’ve got nothing to lose.

What do I have to lose, man? They are thinking, “he’s 16, I can’t let him beat me. I’m calm and ready to go.”

NSW PCYC

NSW

T R O P RE

Don Abnett says: “There is a big future for this young boy and if he sticks with it anything can happen”

Cornerman takes a closer look at the PCYC boxing scene.

+91KG

Blacktown Fight night proves polular with locals

JOHAN LINDE (AUS) VS UAINE FA (TGA)

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PCYC

Friday March 30

The Super Heavyweight bout was a very fast contest when the Australian boxer Johan Linde executed a jab cross and sent his opponent down just 15 seconds in the first round. The referee stopped the contest to protect the boxer.

‘My plan of attack was to make it a war. Junior has so much more experience then me, he fought at the highest level internationally for years now and that was my first time representing Australia on the International level. Mentally this was a step up for me. Friday was the first day I’ve put the Australian top on. It’s all just a blur. I’m feeling on top of the World. Coach Don and coach Mick have worked really hard with me and I’ve been doing lot of strength and conditioning, trackwork and lot of sparring with guys like Benny Edwards, Steven Ruddick, Alexey Muhkin, Damien Hooper and Jai [Opetaia] as well,’ said Linde in his post fight interview.

Don Abnett says: ”He’s had some hard sparring last weeks. The way he’s applying himself in training and the way he’s improving it could happen in a short time.”

All nine well-prepared boxers got their ticket to the 2012 London Olympics. They join Damien Hooper who has been selected after getting to the quarter finals at the World Boxing Championships in 2011 and are now all heading to the intensive training camps prior to the London Olympics.

Val Borg from Penrith PCYC

Blacktown PCYC put on a hugely successful night of amateur boxing on Friday 30th March at the Blacktown City Civic Centre, featuring 8 International contests against the Samoan National side and many local grudge matches, in front of a vocal crowd of over 500 people.

Blacktown PCYC coach, Terry McKinley was overjoyed with the success of the night and the performance of his Blacktown PCYC team.

McKinley’s team are well acknowledged as the hardest-working team in amateur boxing, fighting all over the state and taking on all comers. The local response - getting out to support the team & coach - made for a special night of boxing.

The night featured three classic “Battles for the West” bouts – Blacktown PCYC vs Mt Druitt PCYC vs Penrith PCYC. No one disappointed, with three willing bouts that brought the house down and had fans cheering for more. The possible ‘fight of the night’ belonged to rising stars, Brad Gimbert (Blacktown PCYC) and Luigi Greco (Penrith PCYC). Both boys had moments of dominance, but it was Gimbert who edged out a gallant

Greco, with a slightly better jab & more consistent defence. It had REMATCH written all over it!

In the other 2 “Battles of the West”, we had the very fired up Zaved Hussein from Blacktown PCYC, giving away considerable reach to Kurt Wilson from Mt Druitt PCYC. Wilson was able to use his reach for a unanimous victory, but not before Hussein had landed his fair share of hooks & becoming a crowd favourite. Scott Nabarro (Blacktown PCYC) & Josh McKay ( Mt Druitt PCYC) fought a rematch in another local battle, and what seemed like a great tussle between two very even fighters was stopped late in the 2nd round, when the referee thought that Mckay was getting the better of it. There has to be a Nabarro v McKay III. Val Borg, still seething after a bad case of the flu made a mess of his Olympic trials in Tasmania, was always going to make it a hard night for his next opponent. Himona Livai, the Samoan international was that opponent, and while not short of talent and effective early with his sneaky leads, had no hope of matching Borg’s relentless pressure & heavy-handed treatment. Livai took plenty of punishment against the ropes, including several 8 counts before the bout was stopped by the visiting Samoan referee. Borg is an improving fighter.

www.cornerman.com.au 9

MAY 2012

Mariza Medcalfe vs Astryd Carmelo

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Email ckoboxi ng@me. com

In another cracker fight, Trueman Robb of Richmond fought Henry Tyrell, another Samoan who stepped up from 69kg to fight at middleweight, in a great clash of styles.

Robb, who is as tough as they come, had his hands full against Tyrell, who proved to be a slick combination puncher. Many thought Robb was fortunate to get away with a split points decision, in what le Elite was a very willing, non-stop bout Fema 75kg e Scott y that had Robb in trouble early after a K running into a nice overhand right.

Was it Robb’s consistently high work rate that got him home in a close fight?

The night also featured 2 FEMALE bouts with Penrith PCYC boom kid, 17 year-old Mariza Medcalfe, fresh from a great campaign at World Championship Trials in Melbourne (where she narrowly missed out on qualifying), taking on Belmore PCYC Astryd Carmello. While the bout was always competitive, it showed why many people in boxing are talking about big things to come for young Riz’. It was also a very impressive debut for Isabel Fry from Umina PCYC against the strong Dee Mobbs of Mt Druitt PCYC, one which also points to bigger things for Isabel.

Other boxers to shine included Daniel Jok Ajak (Blacktown PCYC), Josh Nagle (Orange PCYC ) and special mention to Blake Pospelyj (2 Blues Boxing), Stevan Ivic (Richmond Boxing) and Sam Woodhouse (Barotillo Bombers) for their brilliant performances in aiming up against Samoan internationals with great wins.

Massive credit needs to go to the team at Blacktown PCYC, mainly led by the tireless Terry McKinley, one of the true gems of our sport. The Blacktown City Council support for the evening was everywhere to be seen and sure to help raise funds for the boxing program that Terry runs for the hundreds of kids in the local area.

First Female Fighters Ready for the World Champs.

PCYC’s Kaye Scott (Hornsby) & Shelley Watt (Penrith) will be leading the charge when the Australian team travel to China to compete in the Women’s World Boxing Championships from 9 – 20 May. Their excitement is hard to contain as they brace themselves for the biggest test of their competitive lives.

They have also won the honour of being PCYC’s very first female representatives at a Senior World Championships.

With Penrith’s Mariza Medcalfe & Fairfield’s Katie Skinner narrowly missing out on the team at the same Melbourne trials in March, this is an indication of the growing popularity of female boxing within the NSW & PCYC’s.

Scott & Watts are both relative novices in real terms, having only boxed for a couple of years each, but their accelerated development has been astounding & a credit to their coaches, Danny Fleming (Scott) and Mark Grech (Watts). Both girls are very strong athletes and extremely well conditioned, however the job that faces both coaches is to close the gap in boxing ability and knowledge that their much more experienced opponents bring to the ring..

Watts explains, “I didn’t have a coach and needed one before the State Titles last year. Mark had helped in my corner a few times and I knew he was a special coach. Being

PCYC ACADEMY TEAM Satali Tevi Fuimaono (Umina PCYC) Josh Nagle (Orange PCYC) Taz Bensley (Newcastle PCYC) Mark Glew (Muswellbrook PCYC) Josh Fitspatrick (Sutherland PCYC) Tyesha Palu (Penrith PCYC) Sam Goodman (Lake Illawarra PCYC) Kyle Schneider (Umina PCYC).

Satali Tevi Fuimaono at the Nationals

system is y m e d a c a e “Th eight in w ’s it h t r o w rainers .” t r io n ju s u gold to

down there and training with the TTL team at Penrith PCYC was exactly what I needed. He has so much knowledge and thinks about a fight differently from a lot of other coaches. He definitely got me to where I am today”.

Both girls travelled with the Boxing Australia Team members and National Coach Bodo Andreass to China as part of a vital preparation camp. Scott & Watts were able to get first class sparring & training against one of the world’s best teams. This has been followed up with a training camp in Canberra with the New Zealand & Brazilian teams, which has seen Kaye & Shelley brought to peak form.

Watts has deferred her Law studies, while Scott, who is a very successful Personal Trainer, has had to seriously curtail her business to focus on her training efforts. This devotion and dedication has seen great results, with Watts boxing out of her skin while Scott’s accuracy and power proving to be a real handful.

PCYC congratulates both girls and wishes them the best of success in The Women’s World Boxing Championship in China.

PCYC JnrJunior Academy Squad to develop talented juniors.

PCYC Boxing has formed a Junior Academy Squad, with its first training camp held during the Easter holidays at

Umina PCYC. The Academy aims to identify and develop talent in the 10-16yo age group within the PCYC ranks, supporting their efforts to make State and National teams and developing pathways into Boxing Australia programs such as Girl Power, Rio, etc. The hope is that “all home coaches who wish to support the initiative will come on board but can also make themselves available for development as they see fit ” said Joel Keegan, Director PCYC Boxing.

PCYC Boxing has recently introduced a number of initiatives aimed at increasing the numbers of Boxing Juniors with junior-specific coaches, sparring tournaments, introductory training camps and a Grade Structure for Juniors. The Junior Academy Squad is their first venture into ‘High Performance’ development, supporting those boxers who are putting their hands up for higher ambitions.

Sutherland PCYC Junior Boxing Coach, Sean Fitzpatrick, is a fan of the programs, “We have over 40 boys and girls under-14’s boxing in our gym, 11 of which are regularly comp sparring. Joshua Fitzpatrick is fighting interstate and is the current golden gloves champion at 38KGs. With the PCYC camps, the high performance academy and the junior systems … the juniors coming through are moving ahead in leaps and bounds - even at national level where they’re coming up against kids that have had 20-30 fights more than our kids. The academy system is worth its weight in gold to us junior trainers.”

The squad chosen has tried to taketakes in a range of experience and age, but talent and promise is common among all these the boxers. The Academy team will be offered between 3-4 training camps, along with the possibility for 2two interstate trips to facilitate much needed competition for our U’14 boxers, who cannot box in NSW. The Umina camp was a great start, with all boxers & coaches embracing the spirit with which the Academy has been born.

Boxers were trained in some of the latest techniques, tested for strength & conditioning benchmarks, and given an idea of what to expect at the next level if they were to be incorporated within National & Boxing Australia teams.

The squad ranges from National Champions Satali Tevi-Fuimaono ( Umina PCYC) & Sam Goodman ( Lake Illawarra PCYC) to the baby of the team, Tyesha Palu ( Penrith PCYC), who at 11yo and with 1one bout is an investment in promise, potential & her home coaching environment.

The ACADEMY Academy has 8eight boxers so far, with boxers & HOMEhome coaches given Industrie & PCYC Academy clothing.

If any PCYC coach or Boxer is interested in one of the programs mentioned they should contact Joel Keegan – jkeegan@pcycnsw.org.au

MAY 2012

february

James Beard vs David Temelkov

78kg 69kg 64kg 77kg

nowthen &

64kg 60kg 75kg 73kg 63kg 64kg

Dib Youseff

Year 2012 started strong for Souths Juniors, showcased great match ups each month. There were too many to feature everyone but you can view them all on the Cornerman website. Here we take a closer look at bouts between southpaws and orthodox fighters.

February - 81kg David Temelkov vs James Beard David Temelkov from Temelkov Boxing came to the fight with a clear record of 7-0 against the very experienced James Beard from Kickstart Narrabeen.

Southpaw Temelkov pressed forward into an offensive from the opening bell, keeping Beard on the ropes. The Narabeen fighter stayed calm and he managed to connect with a series of uppercuts and hooks in the 2nd half of the opening round.

Beard was throwing punches with little effort and connecting at will. Both boxers stayed toe to toe, trading punches.

Temelkov wasn’t as tight with his defence and made his first steps back in the last 30 seconds

12 www.cornerman.com.au

March - 64kg Youseff Dib vs Zac Swan Younger brother of IBF World Featherweight champion Billy Dib - Youseff Dib from Body

VS

Exhibition

Edward Hart Brown

Winner (Pts)

Pouono Lopeti VS

Jake Jackson Youseff Dib

Winner (Pts)

VS

Dean Stuart Dane Westwood

Winner (Pts)

VS

Tom Neal

march

Ben Dimitrioski vs Dane Westwood

of round 2, which could have indicated an injury or him not liking the tempo of the fight.

He came back firing in the last round and again Beard stayed on the ropes but was connecting better shots, turning his opponent on occasions and scoring points.

Both fighters were trading shots till the closing bell and judges awarded the victory to the Narrabeen fighter James Beard.

It was Beard’s last amateur bout and he fought in his pro debut just one month later at the Croatian Club (more on p28-p29)

Michael Hall

Punch Gym featured in February and at March Juniors and he was up against another very young prospect Zac Swan from Crockers Gym. Again it was a southpaw versus orthodox match up. Dib used a lead hand preparation throughout the fight and was measuring his distance very well. He kept his elbows in and moved light on his feet.

He varied his attacks to the head and body which allowed him to score more points in the opening round.

Zac Swan started to use his cross to the body and was pivoting off the right hook, which worked for him well in the second half of the round.

A vocal crowd of a few hundred could enjoy a very technical bout of two rising boxers.

Dib then started to use his right uppercut to great success, keeping his attacks short and

stepping into a safe distance. Zac Swan couldn’t find his rhythm and was falling behind. He was trying to use his jab and come back with a second attack but time wasn’t on his side and a well-deserved points decision went to Youseff Dib.

April - 81kg Ben Dimitrioski vs Dane Westwood It was a very clever fight fought by Ben Dimitrioski from Downtown Boxing in the 81kg division against Dane Westwood from FBI Boxing.

These two boxers met previously in 2011 where Westwood dominated the fight and won by KO victory.

Dimitrioski has obviously learnt his lessons from that last encounter and had a strong plan coming to the fight. He kept a very close distance between the two and didn’t allow the FBI boxer to unleash his powerful punches.

75kg 64kg 81kg 62kg

Zac Swan VS

Youseff Dib

Winner (Pts)

Brenden Saunders VS

Michael Aaty

Winner (Pts)

Steve Gardner VS

Mamdouh Sabbagh

Winner (Pts)

David Temelkov

Winner (Pts)

VS

Leon Scanlon Rebecca Hingley VS

Sara Jalonen

Winner (Pts)

Alex Bolodurin VS

Exhibition

Sam Woodhouse

april

Ivan Bakic VS

Dave Port

Winner (Pts)

Jayke Stanton

Winner (Pts)

VS

Mark Glew Dane Westwood

Winner (Pts)

VS

Ben Dimitrioski Chayen Chen VS

Satali Tevi Fuamono

He moved well linearly and was throwing his punches in multiple combinations.

Westwood was trying to hook off his lead at times but was getting frustrated by not being able to get the distance he needed to stay in control. He had more power and when he landed he scored points.

Dimitrioski closed the distance often and kept the fight in close. The ringside judges saw cleaner shots scored by Dane Westwood and awarded him a win by unanimous decision.

www.cornerman.com.au 13

Exhibition

A

ustralia has always been stuck in the middle of nowhere, for all sports, not just the minority sport of women’s amateur boxing.

To succeed in international competition, aside from their own personal qualities, an athlete needs two things – international standard training, and international standard competition.

Women’s boxing will appear at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and this is not only significant for Australian females who box, but all female boxers around the world.

This is the first time in history that the event has been included in the games.

Equality and opportunities have been achieved, however more importantly, an issue that previously delayed the sport from inclusion in the games has been resolved – there has been a rise in participation in the sport around the world. Women’s amateur boxing is gaining notoriety, and the Australian team are ready to play the game.

Queensland boxer, Skye Nicolson is part of the Women’s Australian Team who will be competing in The Elite Women’s World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China between 9th and 20th of May, 2012. She explains that the team training is not just about the physical preparations, but also the mental focus which comes from being part of a team.

‘We are all into the team spirit and working together with our team motto being “teamwork makes the dream work”, and we all help each other to push through the hard sessions and climb those walls so that when we go to China we feel support from our team mates, which I believe is important and has definitely helped me get through some hard yards,’ says Skye Nicolson.

The Australian Team for the 2012 Elite Women’s World Championships is Kirsty Harris (45-48 kg), Bianca Elmir (48-51 kg), Cherneka Johnson (51-54 kg), Skye Nicolson (54-57 kg), Jessica Retallack (57-64 kg), Shelley Watts (60-64 kg), Kaye Scott (64-69 kg) and Naomi Fischer-Rasmussen (69-75 kg). The Head Coach is Bodo Andreass and the Assistant Coach is Allan Nicolson Jnr. Skye Nicolson explains that part of the

ir Bianca Elm

Johnson Cherneka

Jessica Retallack

Skye Nicolson Kaila Riley

By Keeta Nova – www.keetanova.com.au

s e DREAM WORK k a m

TEAMWORK preparation for the international competition is to ‘work with the teams coaches, Coach Bodo and Coach Allan and the women all adapting to their styles of training.’

All of the female boxers have undergone centralised training with the national team, in preparation for the event, aside from Western Australian boxer Naomi Fischer-Rasmussen who has chosen to prepare on her own with her father as her trainer, as for such an important event she feels it is best to focus on what has previously proven to give her the most success in the past.

Naomi Fischer-Rasmussen is in one of only three Olympic weight divisions, which are

51kg, 60kg and 75kg. The weight divisions have been restricted for the games due to event time restrictions, and although this does allow for the addition of women’s boxing to occur in the first place, it has also caused a great deal of stress and confusion, in many forms, for women around the world, who are trying to either cut down or bulk up, and compete in a division they are not naturally suited to.

New South Wales boxer, Kaye Scott has always fought strongly in the 75kg division, and after a narrow loss to Fischer-Rasmussen at the national Olympic selection trials, found the motivation to drop weight and challenge the position for a place in the team at 69kg. While

she will not have the opportunity to progress further in the Olympic process, she is now still part of the Australian team and will compete in a non-Olympic division in China at the World Titles.

The Australian women’s team have been involved in extensive and specialised training for this event. They have trained and prepared together in various environments and conditions, with the aim of achieving the two main requirements for success – international standard training, and international standard competition.

Training Camp in China The Australian Women’s Team spent two weeks

in a training camp in Beijing, China, where they joined a range of male and female athletes who live on campus and train fulltime as part of the Beijing State Squad. The training camp in China assisted them in understanding and becoming accustomed to the lifestyle of living as an athlete there, as they would do during the games.

Kaye Scott explained how the Beijing training camp also prepared the boxers for the physical demands of the competition, though two sessions each day that included ‘hard strength training, track work and specific boxing training.’

‘As we were so far out from competition, period training was extra tough and we were put under load and fatigue. For example, we did a hard track session in the morning

of 1200m sprints and then had competition sparring against the Chinese that afternoon.’

‘The Chinese were in a different phase of training to us and would have the morning off so it was definitely extra challenging to be pushing at that high intensity against a fresh opponent when you were fatigued.’

After the training camp in China, Kaye Scott returned home to her local gym at Sydney’s Hornsby PCYC and spent one week working with her coach Daniel Fleming. Kaye says ‘he knows my boxing style inside out so did a lot of specific development and skill work that needed improvement and needed that one-on-one time to work on.’

Training Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport An additional training camp was conducted at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, which further helped the girls prepare for the future Olympic selection process and World Titles. In addition to the full Australian squad, the boxers were joined by the New Zealand women’s team for a short stay, and the Brazillian Women’s team who stayed until the end of the camp.

Week One Their training program in Australia for the first week continued to include track work, strength routines and sport-specific training, including

footwork, bag work, shadow boxing, and partner work or light sparring.

Week Two

The second week at the AIS focused on the need for experience in international standard competition. As the boxers were joined by the New Zealand and Brazilian teams, the program progressed to competition sparing, which as Kaye Scott explains, involved ‘treating it the same as a fight, all kitted up and with refs… Also video analysis of our fights to see the mistakes and corrections that need to be made for improvements to be made in your next match.’

Week Three Week three allowed the boxers to taper down their periodised training program, in preparation for the nearing games in China.

Their program involved shorter sessions, speed work and individual boxing sessions.

AWhen Spirited Team talking about their experiences of training

in the state team, both Kaye Scott and Skye Nicolson highlight the feature of teamwork in their overall preparations. Kaye says ‘team spirit has been great and all us girls are really getting to know each other well now. We’re totally pumped to go over to China, box hard and show them what Australia has to offer. Guaranteed we’ll be bringing back some medals!’

www.cornerman.com.au 15

MAY MAY 2012 2012

TAKING BOXING TO THE BUSH A group of Sydney boxers are taking a program to indigenous youths and women hoping to help them focus on a health lifestyle, Penny Pryor writes.

A

MATEUR MATEUR boxer boxer and and Aboriginal Aboriginal media media personality personality Will Will Doomadgee Doomadgee isis talking talking to to us us from from Townsville Townsville on on his his way way up up to to his his hometown hometown and and remote remote community community Doomadgee.

Doomadgee.

He He has has partnered partnered up up with with Alison Alison Gatwood Gatwood from from Ali Ali G’s G’s boxing boxing in in Sydney Sydney and and they they plan plan to to take take aa boxing boxing program program to to the the kids kids of of the the community community in in order order to to teach teach them them about about healthy healthy living. living. The The area area has has just just got got aa PCYC, PCYC, and and aa local local policeman policeman isis working working on on programs programs for for the the kids. kids.

Will Will plans plans to to make make regular regular trips, trips, along along with with Alison Alison and and Joe Joe Walker Walker from from Joe’s Joe’s Boxing Boxing in in Concord, Concord, to to keep keep the the program program going. going.

“The “The idea idea isis to to try try to to install install the the principals principals of of boxing boxing in in order order to to live live aa healthy healthy lifestyle. lifestyle. We We want want to to give give them them some some kind kind of of motivation motivation to to achieve achieve their their goals goals in in life,” life,” he he says. says.

Alison Alison wants wants to to focus focus in in particular particular on on the the women, women, with with her her Box Box to to the the Beat Beat program. program.

ItIt will will be be her her first first visit visit to to aa remote remote community community and and Will Will says says although although she she isis well well out out of of her her comfort comfort zone zone she she isis very very excited excited about about the the trip. trip.

“She’s “She’s come come up up with with this this idea idea for for women. women. She She wants wants to to help help some some of of the the women women up up there,” there,” he he says. says.

Alison Alison and and Will Will met met up up when when he he fought fought for for aa Master’s Master’s title title in in Bronte Bronte last last year. year. Her Her husband husband and and her her are are boxing boxing fanatics fanatics and and when when they they got got talking talking to to Will Will realised realised they they all all shared shared aa common common goal. goal. That That was was to to try try and and use use boxing boxing for for good. good.

The The initial initial visit visit in in April April was was for for five five days days but but another another one one isis planned planned in in June June and and Will’s Will’s ultimate ultimate goal goal isis to to be be able able to to bring bring aa team team of of trained trained kids kids from from Doomadgee Doomadgee to to Sydney Sydney for for an an exhibition exhibition night. night.

Will Will only only get get into into boxing boxing himself himself two two years years ago. ago. After After aa difficult difficult first first fight fight he he found found his his feet feet and and has has been been master master of of the the ring ring ever ever since, since, holding holding his his own own with with much much younger younger fights. fights. At At 36 36 Will Will isis aa master, master, which which means means he he isis over over 34, 34, but but he he has has still still found found plenty plenty of of opponents opponents and and wants wants to to keep keep going going with with the the sport. sport.

Why Why did did you you get get into into boxing? boxing?

II wanted wanted to to get get fit fit and and learn learn to to BOX! BOX! II have have done done street street fighting fighting before before but but II wanted wanted to to be be aa boxer. boxer.

Why Why did did you you decide decide to to fight? fight?

II love love the the challenge challenge of of being being in in combat! combat! And And having having to to defend defend myself myself against against someone someone else. else. ItIt isis also also an an honourable honourable sport. sport.

Everyone Everyone respects respects each each other. other.

What What is is the the training training experience experience like? like?

Very Very TOUGH!!

TOUGH!! My My trainer trainer Joe Joe works works us us pretty pretty hard hard and and no no one one takes takes short short cuts! cuts! ItIt isis great great fitness fitness work work and and keeps keeps you you honest. honest.

What What is is itit like like to to actually actually get get in in the the ring? ring? Very Very exciting! exciting!

The The adrenaline adrenaline gets gets pumping pumping and and you you feel feel like like fireworks fireworks are are about about to to go go off! off! II try try and and stay stay calm calm before before the the fight fight so so II don’t don’t burn burn too too much much energy. energy.

What What does does itit feel feel like like to to box box as as a a Master?

Master? Do Do you you feel feel pretty pretty fit fit for for your your age? age?

Boxing Boxing at at Master Master isis very very competitive competitive and and II feel feel honoured honoured to to step step into into the the ring ring with with other other warriors warriors having having aa go. go. II do do feel feel fit fit for for my my age! age! II see see guys guys younger younger than than me me that that look look very very un-fit un-fit and and in in need need of of aa good good training training session. session.

How How do do you you feel feel after after a a fight? fight?

Relieved!

Relieved! And And normally normally exhausted exhausted due due to to the the high-energy high-energy adrenaline adrenaline from from the the ring. ring.

Will Will you you do do itit again? again?

Yes, Yes, II love love boxing! boxing! ItIt isis aa warrior’s warrior’s sport sport and and takes takes courage, courage, commitment, commitment, sacrifice sacrifice and and honour honour to to be be aa part part of. of.

WITH GLOVES The trend of corporate boxing is spreading around this country just like UFC is spreading around the world. You see corporate fights every so often in the clubs, hotels, function and live music venue places.

T

ICKETS ICKETS range range from from $50 $50 to to $100 $100 for for standing standing to to $500 $500 for for aa sit sit down, down, all all you you can can eat eat and and drink drink option. option. Business Business people people don’t don’t mind mind spending spending that that kind kind of of cash cash as as the the money money raised raised isis often often for for children children hospitals hospitals or or other other worthy worthy charity charity organizations. organizations.

Jonathan Jonathan Dooner Dooner from from “Black “Black Tie Tie Boxing” Boxing” put put aa great great show show together together at at Lilyfield’s Lilyfield’s Le Le Montage.

Montage.

About About 400 400 people people attended attended all all dressed dressed up up to to the the nines nines in in eveningwear eveningwear and and suits. suits. “It “It was was aa good good night, night, everyone everyone pretty pretty much much had had aa really really good good time, time, which which was was the the most most important important thing. thing.

As As far far as as aa charity charity side side of of itit we we raised raised about about $10,000, $10,000, which which was was pretty pretty good good considering considering itit was was just just before before Easter.

Easter. IfIf we we had had done done itit on on aa different different date date we we would would have have got got aa lot lot more more people people there,” there,” Dooner Dooner says. says. Jonathan Jonathan was was happy happy with with the the night night but but his his next next show show on on the the 28th 28th of of July July will will be be back back in in the the City’s City’s Ivy. Ivy. “It’s “It’s more more convenient convenient for for people people being being in in aa city. city. Le Le Montage Montage was was aa bit bit further further up. up. Ivy, Ivy, being being right right in in the the middle middle of of the the city, city, it’s it’s aa lot lot more more convenient convenient and and obviously obviously Ivy Ivy has has got got that that stigma stigma as as well, well, which which isis aa big big draw draw card.” card.” A A WORD WORD FROM FROM A A CORPORATE CORPORATE FIGHTER FIGHTER Brian Brian Siemsen Siemsen isis CEO CEO of of Siemsen Siemsen Group Group and and Tradies Tradies Wanted Wanted and and had had his his first first fight fight on on the the “Corporate “Corporate Fighter” Fighter” night night at at UNSW UNSW Roundhouse Roundhouse under under supervision supervision of of legendary legendary trainer trainer Johnny Johnny Lewis.

Lewis. Together Together

with with 13 13 others, others, he he lived lived aa professional professional fighter’s fighter’s life life for for 12 12 weeks, weeks, eating eating healthy healthy food, food, staying staying off off alcohol alcohol and and refraining refraining form form late late nights nights out out and and going going through through the the paces paces daily. daily.

How How did did you you get get into into boxing? boxing?

A A good good mate mate of of mine mine suggested suggested II might might like like to to have have aa fight fight for for charity charity through through Corporate Corporate Fighter.

Fighter.

II always always had had this this on on my my bucket bucket list. list.

How How did did you you find find out out about about Corporate Corporate Fighter?

Fighter?

Through Through Nathan Nathan Lai Lai aa friend friend who who knew knew the the promoter promoter Josh Josh King.

King.

What What was was the the hardest hardest thing thing about about training? training?

Training Training your your body body to to do do aa type type of of training training II have have never never done. done. I’m I’m aa front front rower rower from from aa rugby rugby league league background background so so to to train train speed, speed, footwork, footwork, head head movement, movement, leg leg movement, movement, skipping, skipping, cardio cardio was was so so foreign foreign to to what what I’d I’d been been used used to. to.

How How did did you you manage manage to to juggle juggle work work and and training? training?

The The training training times times worked worked in in great great but but the the experience experience was was so so enjoyable enjoyable you you wanted wanted to to be be there there every every session. session.

Were Were you you happy happy with with the the fight fight and and the the way way itit went? went?

Mate Mate II loved loved every every moment moment of of the the fight fight day, day, the the preparation, preparation, the the anxious anxious wait wait for for your your fight fight and and of of course course doing doing battle. battle. What What aa pump. pump.

Were Were you you hurt hurt at at any any point? point?

Not Not at at all, all, II occasionally occasionally put put my my head head where where he he put put his his fist fist but but due due to to the the sparring sparring and and training training itit didn’t didn’t hurt. hurt.

You You were were raising raising money money for for charity. charity.

Your Your company company donated donated quite quite a a big big sum sum too. too. Tell Tell us us more more about about that. that.

II met met founder founder of of Miracle Miracle Babies Babies through through the the Ernst Ernst & & Young Young Entrepreneur Entrepreneur of of the the Year Year awards, awards, she she isis the the most most giving, giving, warm warm and and committed committed person person II have have ever ever met met from from any any foundation foundation or or cause cause I’ve I’ve been been associated associated with with so so II committed committed to to support support her. her. Claim Claim Central Central Holdings Holdings has has an an incredible incredible community community of of trades trades people, people, suppliers suppliers and and employees employees with with an an unbelievable unbelievable giving giving and and humble humble nature. nature. When When they they all all found found out out II was was fighting fighting for for charity charity and and specifically specifically Miracle Miracle Babies Babies the the support support donation-wise donation-wise was was overwhelming. overwhelming.

Would Would you you do do itit again? again?

In In aa minute. minute. II loved loved itit so so much much II would would hope hope they they extend extend the the rules rules to to allow allow people people like like me me to to fight fight again. again. I’m I’m still still buzzing. buzzing.

Would Would you you recommend recommend itit to to other other corporate corporate types types out out there? there? As As II have have said said before before on on the the night, night, every every corporate corporate has has got got to to try try this this even even ifif its its to to just just get get fit, fit, personally personally challenge challenge yourself, yourself, doing doing something something meaningful meaningful for for charity. charity.

Whatever Whatever the the reason reason the the feeling feeling afterward afterward was was and, and, still still is, is, incredible. incredible.

Corporate Corporate Fighter Fighter competitors competitors

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AMERICAN

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TITLES FOR GRABS AT

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idea of what he does, what he can do best, what he can’t do best.

Is that the only one for 2012?

For me it is a major one, so I can’t focus on anything else at the moment. There are other things that my management are scheduling for after that, but for me it’s all about this fight now, I just have got to focus on that one.

What is the preparation going to be like?

There’s probably a lot more on the line now, so we’ve got to make sure we cover all the bases, and train I guess like we never have before, we’ve got a step it up to a new level.

Is there anyone here you’d be looking at fighting nationally?

Not sure, there’s been a few names thrown out and Mundine’s name has been thrown out pretty regularly.

Would you give him another rematch?

I guess moneywise, it’s something that could be considered and I know people would want to see it, after the first fight we had everybody wanted to see a rematch again, unfortunately he wouldn’t come to that. We definitely have thought about it, definitely something to be talked about, but I can’t think about that till afterwards. I just leave that in the hands of the management team and see what comes.

What about Sam Soliman?

Yeah, Sam’s up there, he almost got himself up to the No.1 position to a mandatory. If he made that I would have to fight him anyway, but I guess in Australia maybe it’s not as interesting as the Mundine fight for general public and that, but it is something that has been considered before and put it out there, we just have to see how it goes.

ati

Pouliva

CROATIAN CLUB Boxing Works trainers show how it’s done

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Tasmanian hero Daniel Geale and prodigal son Billy Dib both have their eyes set on America this year. Tomas Vysokai talks to both of them to discover why the US should be scared. Very very scared.

USTRALIAN boxing started the year in style with the IBF World Title double header. A crowd of 4000 Tasmanian fans gathered to support the hometown champion in Hobart’s Entertainment Centre. Daniel Geale was defending his IBF title for second time after he won it almost year ago when he went to Germany and beat champion Sebastian Sylvester.

Danny Green, Anthony Mundine, Jamie Pittman and others have tried to bring a belt from Europe but none have succeeded.

Geale now has plans to go to Washington US and is targeting the middleweight WBO title.

Daniel, finally after so many fights you’re going to America, how does it feel?

It’s good, it’s something we’ve talked about for a while, finally it looks like it’s happening, just excited at the moment, training is in early stages, but very excited, looking forward to the next big challenge.

What’s the next big challenge?

Next big challenge is Dimitri Pirog in Washington State, it’s on 25th of August 2012, we just have to go over there and try to unify the WBO and IBF titles.

Have you seen him fight before?

I have, I’ve seen bits and pieces, I don’t like to study too much of my opponents, but I do like to watch a bit at certain times throughout training camp and that. There’s going to be a time very soon, where I’ll sit down and have more of a look and take a little bit more in, but at the moment I have seen him fight, I’ve seen him move before, so I’ve got a little bit of an

rge vs Geo raham Peter G

Billy D ib - de fending IBF Ch ampio n

Daniel Geale victorious

Peter ‘The Chief’ Graham, after winning the NSW heavyweight boxing title.

ANS of kickboxing were fortunate to see one of Australia’s greats Peter “The Chief” Graham contesting for the NSW heavyweight boxing title against titleholder “Gorgeous” George Poulivaati on Saturday at the Croatian Club, Sydney. Fans would have been familiar with Although local star Steve only 26 Billy Dib “Stone Cold” Moxon has whoalready was putting it for two fought all on the line for international recognition World titles, winning one of against Expedito Valin forand the vacant WKF them defending it twice. He middleweight title, but few both would havedefenses with ended those predicted how impressive the fights were. a stoppage victory.

Peter Graham started against Fivestrongly years ago, undefeated George Poulivaati,Billy using rangeup and Dibhis signed with Oscar De footwork. His opponent was happy to take a La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions few shots to land a big counter of his own and and things were looking bright for rarely took a backward step the entire fight. the young Sydney based boxer.

Graham’s combos really started to damage thethird chance to fight for Poulivaati towardsHe thethen endgot of the round, the WBO Featherweight title against where he landed a flurry of unanswered shots.

Steven done.

Luevano, which he lost by But Poulivaati wasn’t The followi ngaunanimous four rounds decision. were an absolute That loss was a turningapoint slugfest with both fighters maintaining pacefor Golden Boyweight. sent himPoulivaati back to rarely seen atBilly. fighters of their he didn’t give up. He built kept comingAustralia forward, but eating punches and and lastlike year captured landing his himself own. Atback timesup it looked either man could the finish other.

IBFthe Featherweight title.

The final round was as energetic as the that first, “I’ve learned a lot of lessons with perhaps Graham having for slightly better Boy night.

Unfortunately me Golden fitness and lighter feet. Poulivaati’s courage and then dropped me after that fight but you strength know was amazing, though, the saying, that itand wasboth all afighters blessing finishedin strongly.

Graham was awarded thethis win, disguise.

By them letting me go, but wasmade suitably to his opponent. me gracious realise that I have to work“Itmuch was a harder. friggen hard day at the home. office,”I’ve he said.

I’ve come back captured “George is definitely a champion and made the World title. I’ve done something that that most very hard work.” fighters dream of doing, which is to win the It was clear from the opening bell that Steve World title. Some fighters don’t even get the Moxon would have his hands full. Valin was opportunity to fight for one, I’ve been lucky to in great shape and his kicks were deceptively fight against for two his of them.”

Billy last month in a effective shortersaid opponent.

Moxon interview. aggressive and when he wasradio characteristically Victory over Eduardo Escobedo willwith send got inside Valin’s range he made him pay himstriking back tocombos. the America under the guidance vicious Cameron Duncan and Mike Altamura from The of middle rounds were action packed.

Moxon Topsome Rank.thunderous body shots on Valin, landed Dib gave who is now 35F-34W-21KO used to and Valin Moxon some brutal chin-music up to Moxon Prince Hamed early in his withlook his kicks. was theNaseem more aggressive fighter however, andonly landed anthings excellent jumping career and has good to say about knee to finish round four.

o Valin

Expedit oxon vs M e v te S

the Englishman who is also a personal friend of Billy Dib. “Prince Naseem is a very very beautiful person and you know meeting Prince Naseem was an absolute dream come true. He was my hero when I was growing up, he was who inspired me and you know Prince Naseen is just a hell of a good person and I haveisa lot of rag Rgh love for him.” eli vs Fa io Asip S “When I was younger I used try to imitate him a lot. But when I got older, I realised it doesn’t really work that much. I do take a little bit of stuff from Prince Naseem and that type The finalis round was who seemed to of stuff to have selfMoxon’s, belief - the confidence be pushing for the KO. Valin fought well off the because I believe it all starts with self belief. ropes and wouldn’t go down, but Moxon looked If you don’t have that belief in yourself and hungrier for the title. Moxon was given a split you don’t believe you can go on and do great decision victory and summed up his performance things in the sport, then I don’t think you with, “I was probably looking for the KO toocan achieve it. And that’s thing thatkicked.

PrinceI’m much and he kicked andone kicked and Naseen me aistrue to always believe glad to winhas thistaught title from champion andin youryou ability.” thank to all my supporters.” Earlier in the Aftereight beating slugger Eduardo evening, timeMexican world champion kickboxer Escobedo trainer Billy Hussein said:Moxon “Stylesas Stan “The Man” Longinidis described fights of and adjust to every themake beginning theBilly newneeds era oftokickboxing in style. I don’t to teach how to box, he Australia, whichneed is high praiseBilly indeed.

Farag a big advantage overto is veryRghis goodhad boxer, youreach just have to tell Billy Sioget Asipeli andtoes usedand it tohegreat in the on your can advantage do it. He’s been early rounds. to counter doing it for His lastopponent 15 years.started Billy’s had a problem well some excellent flurries as the fight to with be the pressure fighter, being a body progressed, but that’s couldn’t down.him Rghis puncher and myput jobhim to teach how didn’t look alland comfortable hit,Changing but still to do all at that be more being creative. maintained his reachlevels advantage with a and consistent angles, changing in his attack that’s jab.

Thehe’s fightlearning. was eventually drawlong – what He still called has a along, which an every accurate conclusion. wayseemed to go and fight he’s learning, so I’m just taking my time with him. He’s only young, Trueman Robb looked to be the more technical he’s only 26, so time will tell.” and relaxed boxer from the get-go, but Danny According to Hussein, Billy’s next fight will be Kennedy wasn’t going to die wondering. on home turf in rate Sydney Juneand or landed Kennedy’s work wasaround impressive July and for the one after they will be heading some excellent shots on Robb. The high-energy to US. finished with both fighters looking very encounter even. The win was given to Trueman Robb

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continued from page 19...

Team Grange put together another excellent show and every fan was sitting on the edge of their seats throughout the supporting bouts.

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ELTERWEIGHT Alex Ahtong from NSW took on Steven Maxwell from Tasmania in a 6-round contest. Maxwell found himself on the canvas and in trouble in both the first and second round, when he walked onto the southpaws straight left, but went on to finish the fight and was getting stronger with each round. It wasn’t enough to bring him victory as he was well behind on points due to the two knockdowns.

Proving again that boxing is only for the truly tough Ahtong revealed after the fight that he broke his hand in the opening round but fought another half hour without letting his opponent know he was hurt.

Light heavyweight Steve Lovett started to pick

apart experienced boxer Frank Ciampa using his jab to set up his powerful right cross.

Ciampa lifted his chin every time he attacked.

In round 3 Lovett connected with a lead left hook, sending dazed Ciampa onto the ropes.

Referee Gary Dean had a close look and let the fight continue without the 8 count.

Lovett, who fights from the Grange stable, was keeping low, getting powerful shots at Ciampa and trying to finish the fight early.

Ciampa was marked up on the face in round 4 and fell on the ground after a punch but again he wasn’t counted out. Lovett stepped up the pace feeling that he could finish it there.

Ciampa started to move in round 5 and 6 and started to box.

Lovett, who had been a great amateur boxer, waited for that as he spun his left hook in and sent Ciampa down. Ciampa took the count and Lovett jumped in to finish the job. Gary Dean interfered and stopped the bout to protect the fighter.

The first fight of the night was between Aaron Lai and Judd Cornwall in the super middleweight division.

Both fighters started slow without throwing many punches until half way through the round where Aaron Lai closed the distance and threw a short left hook that sent Cornwall to the canvas.

Referee Gary Dean looked closely and didn’t let the hurt fighter continue, awarding hard punching Lai with a KO victory.

JARROD “LEFT JAB” FLETCHER Started boxing when he was 10 with two of his brothers and has been Australian champion since he was 19.

Tomas Vysokai reports.

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RAINED for years at the Australian Institute of Sport as an amateur, Jarrod went on to win a gold medal at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth games and represented Australia at the 2008 Olympic games. A year after the Olympics he turned professional and now holds the Australian middleweight title with an unblemished record of 12-0. Cornerman interviewed Jarrod and his trainer Steve Deller their way to sparring in Melbourne before the first defence of his Australian middleweight belt.

Steve, who do you spar down in Melbourne?

Serge Yannick, Samuel Colomban, Tim Hunt, you can always work on different things you know.

How do you see Jarrod going? They talk about him as a next big thing.

He’s always been a big thing, he’s always been a No.1 in amateurs worked his way through, so it’s just we haven’t been a natural progression into being a professional, it’s just haven’t been able to get the fights. We’ve been trying to get everybody from Mundine down, except Sam Soliman, he’s the only one I’ve never

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tried to get, that’s due to style, he has a very awkward style, but we’ve been trying to get everybody, Jarrod wants to be the next big thing in Australia.

Why did he have to have 10 fights before he could get a shot at Australian title?

No one wanted to fight him, we’ve been trying to get Wood in the ring for nearly 12 months, we’ve offered him $10K and 3 airfares for him to come to Brisbane, but he kept finding reasons not to happen. They knew in they own heart that Jarrod was gonna beat him.

So after the Austrlian title, where do you see him go?

Well, he’s defending against Les Piper, and that will be on the 20th of April in Melbourne on Adam Willcocks promotions. [He beat Piper by unanimous points decision] And after that? Do you have anything lined up?

After that we supposed to fight Garth Wood in July, we still waiting for Garth to sign the contract, we’ve done it, we’re more than happy.

We’ve challenged Omar Shaik to fight, and they avoided that all last year, but possibly we might

be able to get it on this year.

Do you see Jarrod fighting in 2013 in a world stage?

We’ve been talking with people in States, we’ve been offered to fight in May in Mississippi, but we’ve got to beat everybody in Australia first. If he beats everyone in Australia, then we know we have a real world champion on our hands. You’ve got to remember that he’s had only 11 fights and on a world stage that’s not many fights, you need 22-25 fights to be able to play with big boys.

Jarrod, how does it feel to be AU champion?

It’s been long time coming, so it’s good to finally get it.

So how hard was it to get it?

We’ve been chasing it for a while, I wanted that fight at a start of last year, had a bit of difficult time to get it.

What was your hardest fight so far?

Probably Arnel Tinampay on a Gold Coast, that was a tough fight, the boxing ring was very slippery, I had quite a few issues there, slipping over, I got a cut, 2 cuts actually, one through a bad headclash and the other one I slipped over I

was coming in contact with his head again, so that was such frustrating night.

How about the last fight in the Australian title?

Mate, I had a great preparation for that fight, we had a bit of a game plan going, his footwork is pretty limited, so we went in there to keep moving and get him off his game plan which we’ve done and I stuck to that for 10 rounds and I’ve done it quite easily, I was very happy with that fight.

You got a cut from a head clash on a side of your head, was that giving you any trouble?

No, not at all mate, where it was on the side of he head didn’t affect me at all, I just put it at the back of my mind and kept fighting as if it wasn’t there.

The next fight on your radar is Les Piper, how is the preparation going?

Good good, I’ve been sparing well ever since coming together with no injuries, so everything is looking good, we are just about to fly down to Melbourne now to get more of sparring down there, everything is on track, I’m looking good, Les is gonna come out and tear my head Jarrod Fletcher with Steven Deller

off I think, he’s really turned into a bit of a bull. It will be an interesting fight, I’m really looking forward to it.

You don’t have a plan for fighting him?

Hmmm, aaahhh, we’ll just take it as it comes, who knows what’s gonna happen on the night with him.

What do you think of Garth Wood as a boxer?

Garth has done very well, he got very lucky, he’ s rough & tough, he’s a strong boy, I’d love to fight him.

How does Steve Deller help you in your training?

Steve has been great, ever since I’ve come back from the Olympics, he’s looked after me, we work very well together. We are straight up with each other and he’s a great coach. I’ve been enjoying it.

How do you manage your training and your family, I’ve heard you had a child?

Yes, we had a young fella in September last year, things haven’t changed much, my sleep is little bit broken at times, but you get used to that, I’ve got a good wife at home, she’s a great mother. Mate, not too much has changed for me, the family is the best thing I’ve ever done.

A GREAT WAY TO FINISH MASTER SHOWS AGE ISN’T EVERYTHING

I

t might have been his final fight but the 42-year-old Maydad Ronen sure made a battle of his match with the 27-year-old Shinichi Muriyama from Japan. The fight was for the UBC Master’s belt. After many attempts an opponent was finally found and the veteran fought a hard fight and got a win on all three judges scorecards. He was happy with the outcome but due to shoulder injury won’t be doing it again.

Why did you want to fight after so many years away from the game?

It was something I always wanted to do and after 21 years away from the ring, it’s something that always crosses my mind. I’m sure it’s something that crosses every fighter’s mind when they stop fighting you know.

We here you had a conversation with Angelo Dundee?

But just before Christmas last year I received a phone call from Hector Camacho’s manager Eddie Montalvo and he left a message to say: “Maydad I have Angelo Dundee here with me and he wants to speak to you call me back”. At 3am I called Eddie back had a brief chat to him and before you know it Eddie put Angelo Dundee on a phone and we had a brief chat what I was doing and he kept commending me on all the work I’m doing at the gym with the kids and the fight promotions and he mentioned something about Lou DiBella & Lou Diaz from Mexico and how there’s Masters titles and I could fight for one.

What did you do after that?

I followed it up by talking to Lou Diaz and he offered me to fight for super middleweight or a featherweight title with a World Masters UBC title. I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Was it hard finding an opponent?

Initially the opponent was supposed to be over 40 years old and I started training as of 2nd of January. I prepared for the fight with my trainer Al Sykes and we were looking for an opponent. At first we found a Thai opponent, a guy that was very experienced, he had 70 amateur boxing fights and represented Thailand at the World Cup and had 250 more Thai fights, he was also Lupine world champion and a southpaw. He pulled out of the fight.I believe he failed a medical test because of a shin fracture. The other guy we’re meant to fight was from Yokohama, Japan.

Will you do it again?

In my first two weeks into the preparations I tore my super spinalis on my left shoulder and ever since I had injury after injury. I had great people around me and I was on the phone to Eddie every second day and had great support from Florida and people here.

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S U O R E G N A D THE MOST

Les Piper posing for cameras

one to watch DYLAN EMERY *Always come prepared. *Exciting to watch Age: 20 Division: Welterweight Stance: Orthodox Amateur fights: 6F 4W Pro record: 2F 2W Australian rating: 28 (boxrec) Trainer: Billy Hussein Manager: Billy Hussein Favorite boxer: Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Tyson 12 month goal: “Keep winning and growing record.”

L CAMPSIE HUMBLES PIPER Tough Queenslander doesn’t pick easy fights. Hakan Saglam writes.

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ES Piper was expecting a hostile reception at Orion Centre in Campsie against rival Zac Awad. There has been bad blood brewing prior to the fight going back to The Contender Australia TV boxing series where Piper ridiculed Awad’s ability. Piper was therefore shocked and surprised at how well behaved the spectators were, especially after defeating Awad and taking his IBF Pan Pacific Super Middleweight Title over 12 very tough rounds. In his post fight speech he thanked the crowd and promoter Billy Hussein for their hospitality. He said that he wasn’t expecting the warmth that was shown to him and was humbled by their kindness.

The first round really displayed Piper’s willingness to battle as he came roaring out from his corner. Piper was controlling most of the round with clinches and was periodically being warned by the referee. In the last 10 seconds Awad went into a punching frenzy, with Piper returning the favour with combo’s onf his own to great satisfaction.

Piper was definitely throwing more punches than his opponent. Awad sensed this and in the second half of round number 2, he picked up his game and showed Piper why he was the IBF champion.

A cut over the right eye of Piper by a punch in the 3rd round forced the referee to call the doctor in to inspect the wound. The doctor not too concerned about the cut ruled that it was OK to fight on.

As the fight progressed the rounds were getting more intense. Piper dominated the rounds with consistent double jab, cross hook combos but, Awad was always waiting for the end of the round to pick up the pace and finish strong.

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In the 6th round Piper was getting caught with some big shots. He kept coming forward unfazed, pushing Awad to his limit and brining the fight to him. Awad was slowly displaying some fatigue.

A burst of energy overcame Awad in the 7th round and really forced Piper on the back foot.

The round was a scrappy one worsening Piper’s cut, which required the doctor’s inspection at the end of the round. The doctor wiped away the blood and his diagnosis was pretty quick, ruling that he could fight on.

Over the next few rounds Piper kept on chipping away at Awad’s defence and his work rate just kept on getting stronger and stronger.

Round 10 was the best round for Piper despite having points deducted for use of an elbow. He struck Awad with a left, right combo on the button and caused Awad’s legs to buckle. Awad clearly in danger tried to recover while Piper looked for the KO. Luckily Awad found an opening and with an attack to the head, followed by a body shot helped him find the end of he round. Piper dominated the next two rounds which sealed a split decision, scoring 117-113, 114-113, 113-114 Pipers way.

Having now won the IBF title his ambition for the year was to have a total of 4 title fights. He didn’t care who he would fight and welcomed even the tough fights which most recently crowned title holders usually avoid.

Since winning the belt against Awad, Piper met Jarrod Fletcher in Melbourne. They fought for the Australian Middleweight Title, which Piper unfortunately lost in a unanimous decision.

No doubt Piper is back at the drawing board planning his next move.

WOMAN IN THE WORLD

UCIA Rijker’s punch has been recorded as having more power than a male boxer of the same weight. She has been training Diana Prazak since January and was in Australia recently.

She shared some of her training secrets with us.

How long have you been training Diana Prazak?

Diana flew in last year for a private training camp and then she came for a more extended time to the US in January so we have been working for a several months now.

Why did you decide to train her?

She is a very determined fighter and person with the heart of a Lion and she was very persistent plus she is a very hard worker. I call her the female Rocky Marciano!

Do you train many professional female fighters?

I do private training camps mostly and in the past I have worked with several female world champions, European champions as well as Olympians, all over the world.

What are some of the things you are focusing on with Diana?

I focus on building a fighter-trainer relationship and my goal is to bring out her fullest potential as a boxer. So we work on utilizing her assets plus I am passing on what I have learned in my 25-year career, so she can benefit from my experience, expertise etc.

Is it difficult for non-American fighters to train in the US? Yes I think its very challenging; financially and immigration wise. So I am very proud that Diana is working on making things happen for herself.

Prazak Lucia in the corner of Diana Photo by Werner Kalin

What do Australian fighters need to do if they want to train in the US? I am not sure if you are asking what it takes to train with me, because I cant speak for other trainers in the US. My students need to be very determined, a willingness to be the best, talented and a winning record (unless they come for a Disneyland experience) plus willing to live in solitude (homesickness) and a sponsor to sponsor their stay and training plus no conflict of interest with my existing fighters.

Is that the only way to truly be successful? I only ask because it can be very expensive to bring top quality opponents to Australia on a regular basis?

When there is a will there is a way. I think that since woman’s boxing is now in the Olympics that boxing might become more popular so more opportunities for all involved.

What was your impression of the Australian boxing scene?

Very well organized and I loved all the VIP tables around the ring. It was a highly competitive fight especially for Diana (hometown girl) who fought Fatuma who had 3 times as much experience as Diana did. Plus Fatuma fought most of the top woman in boxing. A unanimous decision over Fatuma really showed that Diana is a True Champion.

Do you think women’s boxing has a long way to go in Australia?

It all depends on the attitude. I think when there is a will there is a way, so I think when a person or a group of people are determined

they can make anything happen. However, when we feel easily defeated and victimized by external circumstances or if we leave our future in the hands of other people to feel respected and acknowledged, then we have a long way to go. I have been teaching seminars for many years now, and I remember before woman’s boxing was accepted in the Olympics how we would focus, in the mental part of our seminars, on ‘Mind over Matter’, visualisations and goal setting, goal getting to make the Olympics happen. Several officials in the sport were very skeptical and resistant. Some women boxers even gave up or started regular jobs however the ones that kept believing, are now living their dream or are able to feel hopeful about their careers and their contribution to the manifestation of it.

What is your overall impression of the women in Australia?

I have only met with a couple of women in Australia because my focus was on the fight, however my experience with Diana has been amazing so far. I consider her a trailblazer for female pro boxing in Australia, as well as Misha (Merz) who I see as an intelligent, persistence, very knowledgeable, passionate well informed determined, generous, active female amateur boxer/trainer and Sarah Howett is also a very talented fighter, so I have great hopes for the future of women in combat sports in Australia.

When woman like Diana Continue to be victorious and if the women who will compete in the London Olympics (August 2012) do well, then this will all contribute to more possibilities in the future of female Boxing in Australia.

What are you plans for the future?

One day at a time, I will be continuing to empower, inspire and awaken my students to manifest great victories!

“Be your greatest self, no matter what!!” www.Rijkerstriker.com www.facebook.com/rijkerstriker

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Big Hitters BEN MCCULLOCH

Paul Fleming destroys Sonny Manakane

SHOW TIME FOR 2 GUNZ

• Long reach • Right hook Age: 30 Division: Super Middleweight Stance: Orthodox Amateur fights: 45 Pro records: 8F 8W 5KO Best win: Omar Shaick Aussie rating: 13 (boxrec) Trainer: Tony Del Vecchio Manager: Tony Del Vecchio Favorite boxer: Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins 12 month goal: “Work my way through the Australian division and move to the international fights”

Another boxer from the Hussein stable primed for US success. Paul Fleming tells Penny Pryor of his plans.

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EATHERWEIGHT boxer Paul Fleming is reminiscing about his Olympic bid in China, 2008. The professional fighter, who is about to head to the US for the second American fight of his career, says the team that Boxing Australia has got together for London 2012 looks pretty good. “Yeah that brings back feelings,” he says. “Damien Hooper is a good chance for a medal and we’ve got a good young team.”

Fleming moved from Queensland to train with the Hussein brothers in Sydney not long after he returned from China.

At the Olympics he was defeated in his first match by Frenchman, and eventual silver medallist, Khedafi Djelkhir. But Fleming held his own and the final score was 13-9.

“I never thought I would have gone professional but I’m glad I did,” he says now. Shortly after Beijing, Paul was approached by Mike Altamura who now manages him with Cameron Dunkin.

They also managed to get US promoter Top Rank [US promoter of Manny Pacquiao and Miquel Cotto] on board.

“He had been following me for a while and after the Olympics he came up to me,” he says The US representation provides him with funding to get him to US fights – his first one in July last year ended in victory in just 52 seconds – which means he doesn’t have to consider relocating there.

“There is no real purposed to me living over there,” he says.

Fleming is due to fight his first 8-round fight in June US soil on the undercard of a Top Rank promotion. He doesn’t know his opponent but he expects he will be put up against someone who will test him.

“It will be somebody who will be hard to knock out in a couple of rounds.”

The Hussein stable offers him plenty of sparring partners. Paul mentions all the Dib brothers as well as other boxers of note as regular training cohorts.

“Billy has been around for a long time. Even though he’s only young he knows everybody,” Paul says.

The former Queenslander trains twice and a day and often three times leading up to a fight.

His last fight was against Hwi-Jong Kim from Korea and impressed many of those in the know, who were in the crowd. It was his fourteenth straight win – ten of his fights have been won by knockout.

But the longest Paul has gone to date is six rounds and he has upped the anti in his training to make sure he will have the stamina he needs for his first 8-round contest in June in the US. He boxes in the morning and runs in the afternoon. As soon as he knows who he is fighting he will start training for that opponent.

Before a fight, Paul and his trainer will study up on his adversary and work out how he can tailor his strengths to take advantage of his foe’s weaknesses.

The past few months. have been a hectic time for Paul. He only managed five days off after his April 6 fight and he also welcomed his first daughter into the world just days before – on April 3 – Paul’s own 24th birthday.

He still needs to supplement his professional fighting winnings with personal training but has a loyal following of clients who like to come along to his fights when they can.

The eventual goal is for a world title and Paul hopes that won’t be too far off, potentially within 12 months.

“That’s the game plan,” he sums up.

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on the rise TONY BATES

COLUZZI A BOXER’S JOURNEY

LUNCH WITH

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In a cafe tucked away on a busy street, just around the corner from Randwick Junction sits an 82 year old man - his name is Luigi Coluzzi. Hakan Saglam writes.

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E sits there with an espresso and some friends from the boxing circuit including the legendary Johnny Lewis laughing over old stories from the past. My assignment was to take photos of a boxing champion from the old days. Luigi Coluzzi, an orthodox welterweight (moving up to middleweight) boxer with an overall record of 30W-15L-3D born and raised in Rome Italy.

I walk in and he immediately catches my eye.

They introduce me, he stands up and looks at me taking no notice of my name while taking a firm grip of my hand, “You Italiano?” he asked.

“No sir.” I replied with reluctance.

“No worry,” he said and with a welcoming stretch of the arm he gestured me to sit down, “sit-a sit” he said and waved at the waiter instructing to bring me a menu.

To be truthful prior to the meeting I haven’t heard much of Luigi. Although I recall someone tell me once that there was a champion boxer from way back when who owned a cafe in the area, but didn’t really take much notice.

Apparently he was famous for never turning down a fight and was known for upsetting some of the big favourites in the game.

In 1954 he was approached by Jack Warner, an agent for Stadiums Ltd and was invited to fight in Australia after defeating Italy’s welterweight champion Emilio Marconi in Rome.

Coluzzi was persuaded along with 3 other fellow Italian pugilists to catch a Qantas flight down

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under to fight some of Australia’s best.

“Jack-a-Warner come to see-a-me after fight with the welterweight champion Marconi and asked me to come-a-to Melbourne with the Zuddas, and the Forcinelli, and the Sergio Miller, to come-a-down in the Qantas flight,” he said in his broken english.

His first fight was against Frank Flannery (38W-19L-9D) at the old West Melbourne Stadium. He defeated Frank on a points decision over 12 rounds. Over the next 5 months he had 8 fights losing only 1 and drew 1. A schedule that today’s fighters would find exhausting. After these 8 fights Coluzzi packed his bags and took a flight back to Italy. He continued on his winning streak until he met Emilio Marconi again losing the title fight for the Italian welterweight championship, which is when he was approached once again by Jack Warner. Jack explained to him that the Aussie fans were missing him because they loved him and his fighting style. This along with Jack’s persuasiveness eventually convinced him to come back to our sunburnt country.

At one stage I heard Johnny Lewis saying: “You’ve opened so many doors Lui for the Italian community to be accepted because, there we were, watching this Luigi Coluzzi from Italy, and the Australians just really going for it and cheering for you. It really speaks volumes of what it means. You should be very proud.”

His first fight back in Australia was against a

tough middleweight Queenslander called Clarrie Grogan over 12 rounds. After winning that fight on points he not only regained the hearts of the Aussie fans but he also won the heart of a beautiful young lady called Eleni. After the fight in true Italian aristocracy he asked her out to a celebratory dinner at La Veneziano. They’ve been together ever since.

Having now met his true love he made Australia his home and not long after, he became the Australian Middleweight champion in 1956. He beat Billy McDonnell (11W-5L) after a hard 15 round points victory. Following a lazy year with 1 fight in between he fought Billy again but unfortunately after 15 rounds he surrendered that same title he won from him.

In the Ring magazine, back when there was an Australian issue there was an article that said, “Luigi Coluzzi lost his Australian title. Main interest now is his restaurant so we may not see him again.”

It was clear that his priorities were changing, having fought another 3 times over the course of 3 months winning only 1 out of 3, Luigi decided to take a break. Within the same year in 1957, Luigi along with the love of his life walked into a Milk Bar in William street and offered to buy the shop. That shop later became Bar Coluzzi.

There was nothing like it in Sydney. It was attracting some big names especially from abroad such as Rocky Marciano, Luciano Tajoli and Domenico Modugno.

I caught Johnny reflecting back at Luigi’s first coffee shop, “and for you to open that shop and being so successful, mate everybody loves Coluzzi coffee,” said Johnny.

“The old shop in Darlinghurst, mate it had a wonderful atmosphere and for anybody like myself who started to drink coffee back then, it was wonderful. And to be entertained by Lui for me personally the little shop with all the photo’s, I never got tired of going there. It was special.”

In 1962 Luigi went back into the ring but due to a cut above his eye in 11th round the fight was stopped and awarded the victory to opponent Peter Read (19W-4L) to win by TKO. That was Luigi’s last fight.

He now spends his time at his coffee shop in Randwick entertaining his customers with old boxing stories and singing Italian opera.

We asked him about his toughest fight. After a slight pause he answered “Oh it was-a-with Clive Stewart. I fight him twice-a and he beat me twice-a. He was very big for-a middleweight and I was-a very small. Natural welterweight for me I was-a.”

Johnny later explained that Clive Stewart could have been a light heavyweight and back in those days they didn’t really care about the weight difference that much and just matched fighters based on whether they would make good fights.

“If you didn’t fight you didn’t get paid. They didn’t really worry too much about the weight difference as long as you fell within the weight category,” said Johnny.

Back then a pro boxer use to get paid well.

A fighter would earn 1000 pound per fight.

According to Luigi and Johnny that was really good money. Not sure how much that would make in todays money but I know it’s no way near what the pro’s make today.

We seem to forget that boxers back then were hard men. They would never back down or turn down a fight. Guys like Luigi were household names are really helped structure Australian boxing. In an era (today) where Boxing not only is competing with other disciplines such as MMA and kick boxing, it’s also competing against the politics of cherry picking and carrying fighters against opponents that make a bad match up. This really hurts the sport and does no favours to the fans. We need more boxers today like Luigi, hard men who will never back down from a fight.

By the end of my session with Luigi we were getting along like a house on fire. I had the utmost respect for the guy for what he stood for and what he has achieved. I myself, a first generation, son of a migrant, saw first hand how tough it was for my parents getting by in the new country. For Luigi to make a name for himself, winning the hearts of the Aussie fans and establishing himself with a successful business… well I take my hat off for the guy.

If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Luigi, he will instantly win your heart. He’s always smiling. A man who has lived and is still living a full life. And he celebrates it every chance he gets the only way he knows how to by singing away with Italian opera.

“O SOLE MIO!”

• Strong for his fighting weight • Deadly body shots • Getting stronger every fight Age: 24 Division: Light Welterweight Stance: Orthodox Amateur fights: 60 Pro record: 5F 5W 3KO Best win: Jake Moulden Aussie rating:14 (boxrec) Trainer: Billy Hussein Manager: Billy Hussein PR&Sponsorhip: Gary Mason Favorite boxer: Steve Collins, Diego Corrales 12 month goal: “Stay undefeated and win NSW and AUS title”

SATURDAY NIGHT

on the rise STEVE LOVETT

FIGHTS

* Fast hands * Packs a punch Age: 27 Division: Light Heavyweight Stance: Orthodox Amateur fights: 67 Pro record: 5F 5W 5KO Aussie rating: 11 (boxrec) Trainer: Graham Shaw Manager: Bill Treacy, Garrie Francisco Favorite boxer: Arturo Gatti 12 month goal: “Keep learning in the gym and improving in every fight to be the best I can be.”

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HE heavyweight clash between George Poulivaati (7F 6W 3KO) and defending NSW champion Brett Smith (22F 13W 7KO) was the much-anticipated main event on the card.

Both fighters were known knockout artists and started hard from the opening round. Smith quickly moved to the offensive, throwing uppercuts and hooks – putting the challenger on the ropes.

Poulivaati was not fazed by the explosive attack and covered up, then he found his moment and moved forward himself.

The fight was scheduled for 8 rounds, but with the hectic pace that was being set, it was evident that the fitter fighter would probably win.

It was round 4 when the Tongan-born fighter stepped forward and unleashed a torrent of shots on Smith. Among these was a powerful body shot, followed by hooks and uppercuts. Referee Charlie Lucas had no choice but to step in and stop the fight.

Brett Smith announced his retirement after the fight and George Poulivaati was crowned the new NSW champion.

On the undercard, Rocky Jerkic (3F 3W 2KO) was up against Aswin Cabuy (45F 13W 6KO).

Jerkic, an experienced amateur, had speed over Cabuy, but both came to fight. Cabuy found it hard against the faster and younger prodigy from The Block, so he clinched and wrestled throughout.

Jerkic used his reach well and moved laterally often. He wasn’t able to show all his skill, though, as the fight was stopped after a bad cut on Cabuy’s head. It all happened in round 4 so it went to the scorecards and judges ruled unanimously to Rocky Jerkic, who improves his record to 4 fights and 4 wins.

On his debut, Josh Diab from Tszyu Boxing Academy has scored a unanimous points decision victory against David Galvin from the Northern Territory in a 4 round light middleweight contest.

Galvin had the reach but Diab was the one on the front foot, hitting hard to the body and scoring valuable points.

big hitters AARON LAI • Lightning fast • Right overhand Age: 29 Division: Super Middleweight Stance: Orthodox Amateur fights: 9F 8W Pro record: 3F 3W 2KO Aussie rating: 26 (boxrec) Trainer: Danny Withers Manager: N/A Favorite boxer: Floyd Mayweather, Tyson, Holyfield 12 month goal: “Win the NSW title and go from there”

Diab, who had more than 6 months break before switching from amateurs, said that he wants to focus seriously on boxing now. He also stressed that he’s not a natural light middleweight and will drop to welterweight for his next fight.

James Beard from Kickstart Gym Narrabeen fought well on his debut against Paul Edwards from Queensland in their light heavyweight clash.

Scheduled for 4 rounds, Edwards was no match for Beard’s speed and power and referee Charlie Lucas stopped the contest in round 2, awarding James Beard with the TKO victory. “There’s a lot to learn and it’s a good step.

He has finished him in the end so I can’t ask for more. I want to keep him busy,” said trainer Tom Lambert. James Beard fights next on August 10th at the Croatian Club.

The main amateur bout of the evening was between 18-year-old George Kambosos and Victorian champion Tim Locock.

George is an experienced boxer with a lot of national and international exposure. He didn’t let Tim Locock upset his composure and boxed well on the back foot. It was a close contest but the result went to George Kambosos winning on two judge’s scorecards.

Young Nikita Tszyu is just old enough to fight in NSW, but he is already a current Junior Australian champion. He took on also experienced NSW fighter, Jarrod Manning from Penrith. Both southpaws, Jarrod had better reach and used it well by counter punching and turning off his hooks.

Nikita was worked hard pressing forward, trying to shorten the distance between the two. Round 3 saw Nikita getting closer but wasn’t able to score enough points to win the bout. A split decision went to Jarrod Manning.

Satali Tevi Fuimaono stepped up from 63kg to 66kg to take on Campbell Sommerville from Victoria. He was too sharp and strong for the much taller Sommerville and won comfortably on points over three rounds.

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DANIEL GEALE VS OSUMANU ADAMA

G IN X O B L A N IO SS FE O R P ’S EN M O W

WHO TO WATCH

By Keeta Nova – www.keetanova.com.au HE list of female professional boxers

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who are registered and actively competing in Australia is a short one, however it is still filled with quirky characters, engaging matchups and elite fighters who are dominating the world ranks. If you’re following the females, keep an eye on these girls in 2012. Keeta Nova writes.

Erin McGowan

Diana Prazak

Di Prazak has taken a well-respected and consistent journey in women’s boxing, which started from a simple desire to get fit and lose weight. The Victorian athlete started training under Mick Hargraves at the Boxing Fit gyms in Melbourne and then progressed into amateur competition which saw her gain a national title after only a few fights.

On this day, at the amateur national championships in Canberra, her opponent was much taller which daunted Prazak before the bout. However her own strength has always been determination, and her hard hits and forward aggression soon conquered the longer reach.

Talk to Prazak now, as she is the Australian pound-for-pound best in the professionals, and there is no doubt that she loves the sport. Nothing seems to excite her more than a matchup with a respected and talented opponent, and if there is one thing to say about Di Prazak, it is that she works hard, hits hard, and is never up for dodging a good fight.

After twelve fights she now resides and trains fulltime in Los Angeles. Her only loss has been to Sarah Howett, however this was in her first professional bout. It could have been this loss that has been her greatest lesson in the sport – one that has helped her gain a clean record since, including 7 KOs and three WIBA Women’s International Boxing Association Super Featherweight Titles.

Shannon O’Connell

With only three fights in the professional ranks, Shannon O’Connell is still undoubtedly one of the more important women to watch in Australian boxing. While some of the other professional female fighters have established themselves and racked up the fights, O’Connell has only recently transferred over from the amateur ranks where she was one of the nation’s most elite and experienced fighters.

She has had extensive international experience, including the amateur world titles, and now she is in the professional ranks, that’s the goal she’s set her heart on. The Queenslandbased mother and boxer says, ‘I want to be a world champion but also to be remembered in the future for my skill, determination and dedication.’

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professional record and extensive international experience with reputable opponents. She also adds to Australia’s current trend of successful female boxers who are fighting in the lighter divisions and should have no problems finding future opponents on our home soil.

Western Australia boxer, Erin McGowan has always maintained a well-respected attitude and technical style while in both the amateur and professional ranks. On her thirteenth bout, McGowan had fought the best in the nation and achieved a win for the WBO Female Lightweight Title. After this win McGowan explained that the journey of women’s professional boxing in Australia is not an easy one, and if there were difficult decisions to make before winning a world title, there were even more complicated ones afterwards. McGowan’s next and most recent fight saw her leave the country for the first time, to compete for another world title against Monica Silvina Acosta. McGowan faced her first loss.

Nadine Brown Susie Ramadan

Susie Ramadan trained under a long-term relationship with Melbourne’s Brizzi Brothers in their friendly and intimate gym in Kingsbury.

Since her professional debut in 2007, Ramadan has developed a loyal local following and a sturdy reputation for her technical and clean boxing style. Few have ever doubted Ramadan’s talents in the sport, however after several years in competition and no loss, critics have occasionally raised the point that she’s picking her opponents.

Ramadan knew her track record and set out to change it, which resulted in a split between her and the Brizzi Brothers. At the start of 2011, she fought Australian boxer Sarah George, whose previous record only consisted of one win. At the end of 2011, Ramadan fought outside of Australia for the first time, and faced Yazmin Rivas in Mexico for her first ever loss. Rivas had a previous record of 22 wins. In 2012, Ramadan fought back home in Melbourne, facing European boxer Alesia Graf, who came to the ring with multiple world titles and a record of 25-2. Ramadan finished with a win.

Alesia Graf

German boxer, Alesia Graf moved to Australia to train in Wollongong in 2011, and brings to this country multiple world titles, an impressive

Nadine on the rise of women’s boxing in Australia Queensland boxer Nadine Brown is one of the up and coming professional boxers, who have recently transferred over from the amateur ranks.

With a silver medal at the national titles she’s been in the sport long enough to have observed the dynamic but changing state of women’s boxing in Australia.

‘I’m still relatively inexperienced, having only 11 amateur and 3 professional bouts, so I’m keen to get in there and mix it up with various opponents. I’m back after injury and looking forward to fighting again in the coming months.

There’s been talk of an Australian Welterweight Title, so we’ll see how that goes.’

‘The standard of professional female boxers in Australia is excellent, while still in its infancy I believe. It was only a couple of years ago that women could not compete as amateurs in New South Wales, or even compete in the Olympics, showing that there was still some resistance toward women in boxing. Even though that’s the amateurs, to a degree it’s still a reflection on attitudes that Australia has to female boxers as a whole.’

‘We now have a number of excellent former amateur boxers such as Shannon O’Connell and Jasmine Ward in the pros, as well as former Muay Thai fighters like Sarah O’Connell making their mark, which is great. I think it’s only going to get bigger and promoters are definitely starting to recognise that the girls can fight hard, and well! They are learning that they bring in good crowds and can put on a good show.’

L.A MOVE PAYS OFF FOR Melbourne fighter Diana Prazak has been training with the famous trainer Lucia Rijker since the beginning of this year. She spoke to Penny Pryor from LA.

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USTRALIAN female boxer Diana Prazak took a big risk when she moved to America early in 2012. But the reward was well worth it. The Melbournite is now training with the world’s most famous female boxer and trainer Lucia Rijker.

Rijker, probably best known for playing ‘The Blue Bear’ in Million Dollar Baby, was a world champion kickboxer and boxer, and one of the first women to really forge through in the sport before an injury stopped her in 2005.

Her punches are vicious and she has been found to hit harder than a male boxer of the same weight. “She is an amazing women and an amazing trainer,” her new protégé says.

But so is Prazak, who defended the WIBA Women’s International Boxing Association super featherweight title in April.

Prazak wanted a good opponent for her defence and she believes she got one in Fatuma Zarika from Kenya who had a record of 23-5-1 going into the fight. “She was an incredible mover, she had great skill,” Prazak says from LA a week after the fight.

“She had amazing footwork. She was able to create so many angles. When I did have her in a position where she wasn’t able to run off, the movement she had with her body was amazing.”

The partnering with Rijker has worked well for Prazak who says she has learnt much about herself as well as boxing. “She hasn’t changed me as a fighter. Obviously I’m the type of the fighter I am. As a fighter you have a set of tools, it’s more about adding more tools to the toolbox,” she says.

Rijker is a renowned Buddhist and although not a convert yet, Prazak has been learning about the faith. “I’ve been studying a lot about Buddhism which has really helped me get through this. Lucia is Buddhist, it’s really helped my transition and helped me find my inner strength.” Prazak is the first one to admit that the move hasn’t been easy.

Leaving everyone you know – family, partner, pets and business – is a difficult and often lonely journey.

“What I do is I remember why I’m here,” she explains. “I decided I wanted to be a better fighter for myself and the future women who come after me. If it was easy we would all do it, it’s not supposed to be easy.”

Not so many years ago Prazak was overweight

PRAZAK

and a prolific smoker. Although active for most of her life, as her business took off in her twenties – she runs an IT consultancy – she found her jeans getting bigger and bigger. When she decided she had to do something about it or risk serious health issues she turned to the local boxing gym.

“I tried a couple of gyms before that but I just got bored,” she says. There had never been any intention to jump in the right but when she saw other girls fighting she wanted to give it a go and was encouraged to by a trainer.

“A lot of people have asked me why I wanted to Diana Prazak taking on Fatuma Zarika

be a fighter. There was never a conscious decision.

It’s probably what I always was.”

For now Prazak, who is 32, is focussing on her training and hopes to get another couple of years out of boxing. She plans to stay in the US under Rijker’s wing for now.

When she has finished fighting she really hopes to be able to put something back into the sport.

“I’d love to leave some sort of legacy in the sport and if I can help in anyway to make it easier for women to fight…I’d love to be good to a sport that’s been so good to me.”

MAY 2012

How do you know if you’ve had a great night at the fights? When you’ve walked away with claret sprayed all over your clothes and witnessed some of the best fights this year thus far.

Steve McKinnon

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 17TH MARCH 2012 S

itting ringside, up close and personal, may have ruined my “threads” with bloodstains but it was well worth the night’s experience. In all honesty, it was a privilege to witness some great battles that were had at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.

Canberra’s own Ben Edwards and the Dutchman Rico Verhoeven were the main event. Two Australian super heavyweights trying move up to top contention in their chosen fistic sport, who last fought on the same card on the “It’s Show-

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time” promotion. Rico beat down Ben Edwards with some massive leg kicks early in the fight that would chop down a 100-year-old tree.

Ben did start out strong, utilizing his boxing skills but it did not seem to be a complete strategy to dominate the Dutchman. Rico lost a point in the 3rd round for kicking to the groin but it didn’t make a difference as he wore down Edwards and eventually knocked him down moments before the final bell. Rico won by unanimous decision.

The semi main event was quite a spectacle and was easily the fight of the night. Wes Capper from

Perth brought his dancing shoes and made quite an entrance with his signature dance moves. Steve “Stone Cold” Moxon, originally from Melbourne but now based in Sydney, made a more modest entrance but knew he was here for one thing and one thing only. Both fighters were dropped in the first round. First to go down was Wes Capper

by Steve’s powerful overhand right and then he quickly returned the favour with a left hook catching Steve on the chin. You couldn’t ask for a better opening round.

In the 2nd round, Wes showed some fancy

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moves with a reverse spinning kick but soon found himself on the canvas again with some impressive boxing combos by Steve catching him again with that overhand right. Wes needed to change his game plan if he wanted to turn this fight around. In the 3rd round he kept his distance and fenddc of Steve with some kicks to the mid section. Wes tried to keep Steve second-guessing by switching from Orthodox to south paw but Steve and his trainer, Andrew Berridge, anticipated this and were prepared for the switch. The game plan for Steve, according to Berridge, was either in close or outside and definitely not in mid range.

“We either needed him all in or all out,” said Berridge.

“As far as his range is concerned, when he is all in he’ll do really well and when he is all out (of the range), he’ll be safe. But when he is in mid range, he’ll get caught. This is Capper’s style.”

Steve was looking tired in the 4th and 5th round. That was when Wes tried to capitalize by pushing the fight. In the 5th round Wes dug deep and was throwing everything at Steve except for the kitchen sink. Unfortunately for Wes it was not enough and

Steve took home the win with a split decision.

“It was a very tough fight,” said Steve. “I’ve sparred him a couple of times beforehand so I knew it was going to be tough.”

Referring to his knockdown by Wes as a beauty, he went on to say “He hit me with a number of good shots and dropped me one time.

Luckily I recovered pretty quick and just kept on fighting back quite hard. I was fortunate enough to knock him down a couple of times which I think is what won me the fight.”

We caught up with Wes after the fight to ask him how the fight went in his eyes. “I think Steve definitely won the fight,” said Capper.

“He won it due to the first knock down and then the second one.” Wes paused licking his swollen lips before continuing. “The first one (knock down) he did hit me but it was a little iffy but the second one, definitely hit me flush man. Yeah, that one hurt but uh, you know, I think it could have gone either way. It’s the same thing when we spar, we throw from the fences and it was evident tonight.”

The caliber of this fight was definitely worthy of a rematch and I’m sure the fans would love to see this happen. When asked whether Wes would be keen he got excited and replied, “I would love a rematch and I’m sure a lot of the fans would love to see us punch each other in the face again”.

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MAY 2012

We asked Wes about switching his stance from orthodox to southpaw. “ Probably due to sparring him you know” he said.

“Some southpaw stuff puts him off, makes him feel a little bit uneasy.

He was tagging me with good shots when I was in orthodox xon Steve Mo so I thought I would change it up and put him off and you know what, it did for a little bit”. He said with a cheeky grin.

“I probably didn’t capitalize enough on that, something I should take on board and take back to the drawing board.”

The previous fight on the card was another entertaining bout between Steve McKinnon and Nato Laauli. Steve in true style came out like a raging bull. Nato, a very tough New Zealander, wore Steve’s punishment with ease and returned some of his own. As a southpaw, Nato caught Steve with a left cross that landed on the button. McKinnon staggered but quickly regained composure.

Steve McKinnon went head hunting in the 2nd round with great powerful head kicks. For a while there I thought Nato’s head was going to fly off

into the crowd. Steve was wearing him down which then started the onslaught of elbows. Steve cut Nato square on the forehead and a small trickle of blood came pouring down.

In the 3rd round Steve worked the body with highly powered kicks, which pushed Nato to the ropes. This is when McKinnon finished him off with relentless elbows sending the claret flying onto my lovely shirt and Macbook. The referee gave the New Zealander the 9 count and then called the doctor over to inspect the damage.

Without hesitating the doctor stopped the fight on first inspection.

At the post fight interview, Steve called out

Rico Verhoeven

Nathan “Carnage” Corbett. He has been chasing this fight for a while.

“I deserve it, the public deserves to see it and he deserves a really good fight which I intend on bringing to him,” he declared.

We caught up with him afterwards hoping to get more detail on the prospect of this fight. We walked into his changing room where we found fellow Bulldog ambassador Nick Stone, nursing a massive cut to Steve McKinnon’s right shin (a result of the multiple head kicks to his opponent no doubt). This is what he had to say about a rematch.

“It’s just a matter of time now. Carnage is keen now and he’d like to get it on too. I think we’re going to organize it for the end of the year maybe or whenever but it looks like it’s really gonna happen. I’m really looking forward to it.”

When asked about his plans he said, “Well I’m going to defend my WBC title against Ramazan (Ramazanov) in Thailand on the 9th of June. So we’ll just heal up and train for that for now.”

Keeps your eyes and ears out for dates regarding the Carnage fight because it will be one not to be missed.

The other KO of the night was the only MMA bout between Damien Phillpott and Billy McAlees.

This was such a great fight for the novice MMA fighters. Both fighters came out wanting to trade punches. Billy unleashed with bad intentions, catching his opponent with great accuracy. He cut

open Damien with an elbow flush on top of the cranium. He then took Damien down to scope out his ground game. Damien was not keen to stay on his back, and scrambled back up. His face now all bloodied, looking like he was not going to last much longer. Billy gained full guard with another take down attempt and started his ground pound. By the end of this round Damien Phillpott turned into a red head with blood stained hair.

Billy McAlees was waiting for his opportunity in the 2nd round. He waited and unleashed a number of jab cross combo’s. On the 3rd jab cross, Billy rocked his opponent and his legs gave out from underneath. The referee quickly saw that he was not able to recover and stopped the fight.

I was not looking forward to the long drive back. I could have easily stayed at the Convention Centre and watched another 9 fights. A most successful night for promoter Nick Boutzos.

“What a great night! Very happy with the night. The best fight of the night without a doubt was with Moxon and Capper. Without a doubt!

We will have the next show, Capital Punishment 6, around July 21st. Same place here at the National Convention Centre. Headlining will be Wes Capper, Steve McKinnon, Ben Edwards, Spiro Black so it should be another great show.”

Written by Hakan Saglam

cAlees Billy M

www.cornerman.com.au 37

REAL DEAL

thai boxing Newcastle Panthers hosts another night of exciting fights

FEBRUARY 18, 2012

T

HE main event of the evening was the lightweight Australian title fight between Kayne Young (Heng Kuai Fighting Arts) and Bryan Hasse (Allan Walkington).

Young was not able to showcase his skills after taking a powerful right hand and left hook from Hasse in the opening round. The referee stepped in for the count and a still dazed Young didn’t look sharp as the fighters touched gloves. Hasse used the moment and knocked his opponent down and out with another strong punch combination.

Hasse was very emotional in his speech and thanked the promoter Rob Murdoch and his opponent for the opportunity to fight for the title. He also thanked the Filipino community for coming to Newcastle to support him.

The super heavyweight division is always exciting because of the power and size of the competitors. It was no different when Newcastle fighter Milos Ninkovic took on Jacob Francis.

Ninkovic had the first round after a great display of head kicks and uppercuts. Francis couldn’t find his mark, despite stepping up the pressure in the third round. Ninkovic had all the answers, landing head kicks and striking combos and continued to beat Francis to the punch for the remaining rounds. After five tough rounds the judges awarded the fight to Ninkovic.

This was a very exciting affair between heavyweights Milos Rastovic and Benjamin Kelleher. Rastovic tried to close the gap early and get in with knees while Kelleher was content to attack from a longer distance, throwing single shots. Round 2 was excellent, with both fighters looking very strong. Kelleher was connecting with his overhand shots while Rastovic was landing heavy knees and able to throw his opponent

down. It was a close round and Kelleher looked stronger after accidentally kicking Rastovic in the groin.

It was one-way traffic in the final round.

Rastovic didn’t take a backward step, punching Kelleher at will. A well-fought bout went to local fighter Milos Rastovic, improving his record to 6F 5W. In the super welterweight division, Daniel Gooch, a taller and fitter looking fighter, used his hands to open up his opponent Matt Sullivan.

Sullivan was working on kicks and knees through the round but not doing much damage.

Halfway through the second round, Gooch started to take the lead by connecting with a stiff right overhand, keeping Sullivan on the ropes and controlling the fight. Sullivan realized he needed to turn the fight around and turned up the heat on Gooch with his hands. Both fighters gave it all until the last second. Matt Sullivan had the local crowd on his side but the judges saw the fight in favor of Daniel Gooch.

It was a very technical fight between Leanne Coombes and Linda Sing. The first round was a low kick contest. Coombes looked the stronger of the two, putting combinations together and finishing with high kicks.

Sing pushed forward during round 2, backing her opponent up to the ropes, but Coombes put combinations together and finished every combo with a kick. In the final round, fans were enjoying a kick for kick, punch for punch show.

Both fighters had good defence and kept their hands up for the whole fight. It was another close contest but Leanne Coombes took the decision after a well-fought 3 round fight.

Terry Millat took on Blake Edwards in an excellent light welterweight fight. Both fighters were throwing heavy kicks and punches in the

first round. Edwards executed a solid right hand and a few good leg kicks, despite it being a very close round. Edwards was the aggressor in the opening minute of the second round, using strong knees in the clinch. Millat came back with a good right hand, shaking his opponent, but taking leg kicks all the while. Millat charged foward in round 3 from the opening bell, probably realizing he was behind on points. Edwards came back with jumping knees and good hand combinations. The fight went to Edwards in a close decision.

In a super welterweight contest, Eden Kenny was up against Matt Donelly. Kenny was a better kicker and started hard from round 1.

His stronger, faster punches were snapping his opponent’s head back most of the time. Donnelly was a tough customer and kept fighting back, but couldn’t control the outcome. After a well-fought 3 rounds, Eden Kenny won the fight by unanimous decision.

results

light Welterweight

Josh Donavic VS Rhys King

Winner (Pts)

Welterweight

Brendan Davis VS Jaye Snowden

Winner (Pts)

Bantamweight

Jade Thomson VS Cournery Fox

Winner (Pts)

Super Middleweight

Ben Lacey VS Ryan Bartlett

Winner (Pts)

Atomweight

Angelique Combis VS Trish Renolds

Winner (Pts)

www.cornerman.com.au 39

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NORTH SHORE 18 T

HESE wars on the North Shore, promoted by Bulldog Gym’s Nick Stone, have predominately been kickboxing bouts. The last few shows have included Amateur boxing and have been getting better and bigger with each show.

The latest War on the North Shore event consisted of an even number of kickboxing to boxing match ups. It might be some time though, before any of the boxing bouts headline these shows as most of the people come to watch the kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts. Although the first boxing bout, an exhibition really got the crowd worked up and provided great entertainment.

The main event was a title shot for the NSW 67kg in Mod Thai rules (no elbows) between Jake Raisin from Jabout versus Aman Salah training out Fit n Fit. The first round Salah looked edgy and took some time to find his rhythm while Raisin looked comfortable and set his pace. Capitalising on Salah’s ill composure Raisin scored some early points with some leg kicks and takedowns. Salah did not find his rhythm until the 3rd round.

It wasn’t until 1 minute into the 3rd round that Salah’s boxing combos found its mark. His rapid left-right straight punches were working their way through Raisins guard.

To avoid getting caught by Salah’s punches, Raisin neutralised his attack by clinching. The opening of the 4th round both guys clinched until Raisin caught a knee into the groin. Referee Paul Grima gave the obligatory 1 minute rest for Raisin to recover. Refusing to take the full minute Raisin continued straight back where he left from which was into the clinch position. The remainder of the round was dominated by Raisin.

The 5th and last round was the same story.

from

re Luke Shakespea Every time Raisin rs n with his traine De ns Lio got within range, he clinched and scored with knees to the mid section. Raisin was the clear winner and took home the NSW belt.

Luke Shakespeare, a novice within the Kickboxing circuit had an impressive win against Bulldog Manly’s Gi “Unit” Low. These youngsters put on a great fight but Shakespeare was just too strong for Low. Another entertaining fight was between Richard Simpson and Matt Cadwallander. An intense, fast paced 3 rounder for these large combatants.

Cadwallander who looked bout between Tristian Kapang and Michael larger of the two, deceiving of his size displayed Dawson really set the pace for the rest of the some impressive moves. In round 2 Cadwallander fights. The crowd were entertained with an executed an impressive spinning punch that impressive display of pugilism by both fighters landed flush on Simpson chin. Fortunate for who weren’t exactly trying to knock each others Simpson the bark was worse than its bite and block of but merely playing with each other and continued fight unfazed by the blow. Simpson trying to find that elusive opening and score a eventually won the fight but it could have gone punch (although exhibitions bouts are not scored). either way.

Dawson, the experienced fighter of the 2 landed Another crowd pleaser was the opening of the more combos and most of the time had his hands kickboxing bouts between VT1 fighter Mark White down. His defensive objective was not to block the versus Richard Lizcrum. The crowd was behind punches but to duck, weave and pivot out of the White, who has fought at Nick Stone’s shows a danger zone. number of times. Unfortunately for White he did A great decision by Nick Stone to schedule not win on this occasion and the decision went to more amateur boxing. Hopefully this will draw in Richard Lizcrum. an equal amount of boxing fans as opposed to As mentioned earlier, the exhibition boxing the fans of kickboxing and Muay Thai.

www.cornerman.com.au 41

Thunder DOWN UNDER thunder UFC FX 2 proves a huge success in Sydney

A

PRIL saw the return of the UFC to Sydney, where the company celebrated its 200th show. The main event was the showdown between welterweights Martin Kampmann and Thiago Alves, but the card had a lot more going for it than just that.

For one thing, Aussie fans got to see two locals in action, Anthony Perosh and Kyle Noke, plus heavy-handed Kiwi James Te-Huna who trains in Penrith.

Fans were also treated to the controversial semi-final of the flyweight tournament between Ian McCall and Demetrious Johnson, which was intended to help crown the first 56kg fighter for the UFC. But first to the local talent…

Anthony Perosh vs Nick Penner Perosh came out to a thunderous reception at the Allphones Arena looking pumped to continue on his recent winning streak since moving to the light heavyweight division. And at 39 years of age, ‘The Hippo’ showed us the best form of his life.

After an early flurry of punches, Perosh rocked Penner and then scored a takedown to stamp his control on UFC newcomer Nick Penner. After returning to their feet, Perosh did further damage to Penner in the stand-up exchanges, before taking him down again and quickly moving to mount. Perosh took full advantage of his position and threw continuous punches at his opponent

42 www.cornerman.com.au

until the fight was stopped.

“I’m strong, I’m fit, I’m competitive,” said Perosh emphatically after the fight, “and no one’s going to out-muscle me at light heavyweight.”

Kyle Noke vs Andrew Craig Noke, 24, was looking to get his career back on track after a painful heel-hook loss to Ed Herman in his last performance in the middleweight division. Unfortunately, things didn’t go his way.

After some heavy early exchanges, Noke shot in on his opponent and nearly submitted him with a deep rear-naked-choke. Craig managed to survive it and at some point during the next exchanges, the Aussie blew out his knee.

Craig did much better in the second and third rounds and got the better of the stand-up exchanges. Despite being badly injured, Noke didn’t stop trying until the final buzzer sounded.

The night belonged to Texan who won by unanimous decision, though.

Dana White did salute Noke’s toughness to fight through the pain, so expect to see him in the octagon again as soon as he has recovered from injury.

James Te-Huna vs Aaron Rosa Fighting at light heavyweight against a powerful opponent, 30-year-old James Te-Huna put on one of the most impressive and violent displays of the night.

From the get-go, Te-Huna was throwing punches

like he wanted to finish the fight. Within the first minute he caught Rosa with some nasty hooks and things didn’t get better there for the big American.

Te-Huna soon had Rosa backing up, and as he closed the distance he again caught Rosa with some huge shots to the head. Here Te-Huna showed killer instinct and dropped Rosa with more punishing strikes and finished him off nicely with impressive ground-and-pound.

Te-Huna showed the world that he has devastating knockout power and will no doubt get a more high profile opponent in his next UFC event.

“It’s good to get back here and get a win after last year’s performance,” he said modestly. “It’s pretty nice.”

Ian McCall vs Demetrious Johnson Casual fans who had expressed annoyance at watching these very small men battle it out on the big stage, were won over by the quality of their performance. Unfortunately a judging decision ruined the outcome.

Johnson and McCall came out with a speed and energy that only flyweights can possess and the pace didn’t slow down for a second. Johnson looked the better early on, but ‘Uncle Creepy’ McCall came home very strong.

The fight was extremely close but was eventually awarded to Johnson by a split decision. Later it

was revealed that there was a scoring mistake and the fight should have been ruled a majority draw, meaning a sudden-victory round should have taken place.

Craig Waller of the Department of Sport and Recreation took full responsibility for the mistake and apologized to Dana White and the fans. Dana has indicated a rematch will take place and that he “won’t lose any hair over it.”

Thiago Alves vs Martin Kampmann Alves clearly established himself as the superior striker of the two, but a stupid decision gave Kampmann one of the greatest come from behind victories in recent UFC history.

Alves quickly stamped his control over Kampmann with his polished muay thai skills. And despite a decent head kick from Kampmann in the first round, he dominated the exchanges and showed why he is regarded as one of the division’s best strikers.

Very late in the third round, Alves decided to shoot in on Kampmann and was amazingly submitted in a guillotine with just 12 seconds remaining in the fight. “I squeezed it because I knew it was my window,” said Kampmann. “And I didn’t want to miss it.”

Not only did Kampmann earn the victory, but he also got an extra $50,000 for Submission of the Night, while Alves must be kicking himself for his decision making in the final round.

MAY 2012

LOCAL

TALENT

Australian based UFC fighter Bernado “Trekko” Magalhaes is our best kept secret

W

ODE C O M PRO 2 # 335

4

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44 www.cornerman.com.au

HEN did you start training in BJJ? It was about 16 years ago in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Of course I played a lot of football and did other stuff, but it was this that I really got involved with.

Did it take you very long to progress?

It only took me a few months to have my first competition. And it took me another nine years after that to get my black belt in BJJ. When did you come to Australia?

It was during 2007. I had a business opportunity over here and it’s been great running a gym and teaching in Cronulla. I’m getting my citizenship in a few weeks, so I do like the place very much. The culture is great, there’s not much violence and the people are so relaxed.

What keeps you inspired to fight and train in MMA? There’s always new techniques to learn, it makes me feel like a student. I train in boxing and kickboxing a lot and it’s great. I like the competition of it all – it’s good to be competitive and test yourself.

Did you ever expect to fight in the UFC? I always wanted to fight in the UFC, but I wasn’t expecting to get called up when I did. I’d been in Brazil with my wife when I met my manager. Then a little while later I got the call up to fight in just five week’s time.

We hear your training partner Richie “Vas” might be getting a called up next?

Yes, we’ve been pushing for it. He’s a great fighter and he has all the skills. The UFC certainly know his name and he’s being talked about.

Do you know who you’re fighting next?

It’ll be Henry Martinez at UFC FX 3 on June 8.

Henry’s from Greg Jackson’s camp and a pretty aggressive style of fighter. He comes forward a lot and has good wrestling. I like to fight people who are like this. It is good for my submissions and I like to counterattack, too. I’ll do most of my camp here in Australia and then fly over to the US about two weeks before the fight.

Which fighters in the UFC do you love to watch?

There’s so many, so it’s hard to just say a few names, but if I did I’d mention Anderson Silva and Jose Aldo.

How do you relax when you’re not training or working in the gym?

I love my family and spending quality time with my wife. I’m also trying to learn how to surf at the moment, though I’m not very good yet.

We don’t think many people would be brave enough to criticize you!

www.cornerman.com.au 45

101

ith w ANTHONY PEROSH

46 www.cornerman.com.au

Bio:

1

ANTHONY PEROSH

Anthony “The Hippo” Perosh is a current UFC Light Heavyweight fighter. He is a 2nd degree BJJ black belt under Carlos Machado.

Anthony has been doing martial arts since 1994 and started BJJ in 1996 and received his BJJ black belt in 2003. Anthony has also been training in Thai Kickboxing since 1994 and boxing for 18 months.

Anthony has won many BJJ championships including winning two bronze medals at the World BJJ Championships, representing Australia 5 times in the ADCC World Championships and Australian champion 10 times.

Anthony made his MMA debut in November 2003 winning an 8 man heavyweight tournament in one night. Anthony is now fighting in the UFC and is on a 3 fight win streak. He has won his past 3 matches by submission or TKO. He is currently waiting on announcement of his next fight.

Anthony’s coaches include Steve Rudic for boxing (2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist), Denis Roberts for wrestling (2010 Commonwealth Games Freestyle Wrestling 4th place) and Elvis Sinosic and all my students to help him with BJJ. For his fight camp Anthony also trains in Canberra with Garry Hamilton and Alexey Muhkin for boxing from Stockade gym and Billy Giampoalo from Elite Physique.

Anthony runs two full time martial arts academies called SPMA (Sinosic Perosh Martial Arts). Whether your goal is to become world champion, get fit or just have fun you will find a class at SPMA for you. SPMA has classes for beginners, advanced and for competitors taught by experienced instructors. SPMA specialises in teaching adults but has very popular kids classes for 6-10 year olds and 11-14 year olds too. Team SPMA has many competitors who have won various championships in BJJ, Thai Kickboxing and MMA. Anthony is sponsored by Balance Sports Nutrition, Venum Fight Gear and Shoyoroll.

I was able to corner my opponent so he is now close to the cage.

2 I bob and weave under his lead hook.

3 After the weave I step and secure double underhook control ensuring I have good head control and start driving him to the cage.

4 Once I have him against the cage I put my knee in between his legs and start lifting him with my hip.

5 I bring him down to the ground and secure half guard ready to either punch or pas his guard.

MAY 2012

WAY OF THE

WARRIOR

G N I AK

waves

M

How did you discover MMA? Through BJJ mainly. I used to do a lot of boxing, like hitting pads and sparring with my mates, but when I met Bruno Panno and Alex Prates I started competing in BJJ and things took off from there.

What do you love about the sport?

I love to train and I love learning. Learning all the different aspects of the sport is a real challenge. The lifestyle and camaraderie you get training in a good gym is also really appealing for me. I get a lot out of it.

Does it impact upon your time in the surf?

Yes, MMA takes priority over the waves these days. I still try to balance them both when I can, though. Obviously if I’ve got a big fight coming up I don’t want to get injured, so I’ll take it easy. I don’t plan on giving either of them up any time soon.

Are surfing and MMA the same in any ways?

In some respects they are. When you find yourself in trouble in the surf the worst thing you can do is panic – and it’s the same in the cage. You’ve got to control the anxiety, stay calm and perform.

What’s your proudest MMA moment?

Winning the PWP Bantamweight title was huge for me. It was a big fight in front of my home town and I got the win in the first round.

I was really happy and very proud.

48 48 www.cornerman.com.au www.cornerman.com.au

What do you think the strongest element of your game is?

I’d like to think it’s my versatility. I’m a jack of all trades and master of none in the way that I don’t have a black belt in BJJ or a big career behind me as a striker, but I’m decent at everything. And not being one-dimensional is a good thing in the sport.

What are your thoughts on the future of MMA in Australia?

It’s got a bright future and a lot of great talent. Aussies love it and you can see that by how popular the UFC is whenever they come down here. We’ve got a few good fighters in the UFC and it’s only going to get better.

We just need a little more depth of talent and sparring partners. I’m lucky at TP Gym because I’ve got a great crew around me.

What fighter do you look up to the most and why?

B.J. Penn. I love his will to fight and the fact he’ll step up against anyone. He’s fought as high as light-heavyweight, which is really

on PWP 4 Richie Vas ick armbar qu es ut exec

Proud Warrior Production’s fourth promotion was a great success with fights streaming live on the internet, a sellout local crowd and entertaining fights throughout the night

Surfer and Bra Boy Richie “Vas” Vaculik is one of the stars of the Aussie MMA scene

on the rise BRETT GAINSFORD

impressive for his size. He’s also got a great style and isn’t afraid to match any other style of fighter. As a person he seems like a very humble and good guy – and personality is important. I was lucky enough to watch him fight Fitch in Sydney. People thought he’d strike with him, but he took him down.

Are you the only Bra Boy that’s involved in MMA or are there others that train?

There’s a whole bunch of them who train and there’s some pro boxers who are part of the Bra Boys, too. At the moment I’m the only MMA guy who’s active and looking for fights, though.

What’s next for you? Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

My goal is to stay active for the rest of the year and get as many fights as I can.

Hopefully I can fight overseas at some point and ultimately I’d love to fight in the UFC – but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

T

HE main event of the evening was between Richie Vas and Nick Honstein.

It was scheduled for 5x5min rounds at 62kg for PWP Bantamweight title.

Nick Honstein came out strong from the opening bell, charging at Richie Vas and taking him down with a double-leg takedown. Vas was able to stand up and get back to striking. It didn’t take long until Honstein managed another takedown and again Vas stood up.

Vas then found his range, made his opponent miss and created some range. Soon after Vas tags Honstein and quickly moves in for the kill – wrapping his legs around Honstein’s shoulder and forcing him to tap via armbar.

In the semi main event fans prepared for another exiting fight between Manuel Rodrigues from TP Gym and Regan Wilson from Langes MMA at 77kg.

Both fighters wanted to stand up in the first round. Wilson looked better with his hands but

Rodrigues connected with very fast head kicks and had Wilson hurt.

Round two was a mix between the ground game and stand up where both fighters showed a lot of versatility, but Wilson was losing his confidence and Rodrigues started to pick him apart.

Both fighters dug deep, worked on the ground and in the stand up. Wilson continued to bleed from the side of his head from the very first kick in round 1. Rodrigues dominated the ground game and Wilson looked better in stand up using clinch and explosive knees in last minute of round 2.

Round 3 was all Rodrigues’s round. When he saw a tired Wilson keeping his hands too low, he threw a lead body kick followed by power head kick, knocking Wilson out cold.

Emanuel Rodrigues was pleased with his performance and his goal is to go make it big on the world stage. He called out Robb Whittaker in his final speech “He’s been dogging me for last two years. He’s been the next best thing, come and

• Good ground game • Versatile Age: 25 Division: Lightweight Stance: Orthodox Pro record: 4F 4W KO: 1 Submissions: 2 Best fight: Ryan Matthews Trainer: Elvis Sinosic, Anthony Perosh Gym: Team SPMA Concord, NSW Favorite MMA fighter: B. J. Penn 12 month goal: “To improve my overall MMA game, have more fights for experience and most probably a title in one of the Australian organisations.”

results 57kg 66kg 70kg

Shabe Kafo

SUB (armbar rnd 1)

Mat Wilken Steve Reeks

SUB (guilotine rnd 1)

VS

Christopher Hoy Jacob Pettet

SUB (rear choke rnd 1)

VS

Ricky Rea Brett Gainsford

Winner (split decision)

VS

Ryan Matthews

one to watch SHABE KAFO • Excelent ground game • Exciting to watch Age: 27 Division: Flyweight Stance: Orthodox Pro record: 7F 5W KO: 0 Submissions: 5 Trainer: Fari Salievski Gym: KMA TOP TEAM Favorite MMA fighter: Brian Ebersole 12 month goal: “To be the best flyweight in Australia and looking to make the UFC.”

92.5kg

JANUARY 2012

VS

Randall Rayment VS

SUB (kimura rnd 1)

Ben Lewis

fight me, the next best thing,” he said.

Another supporting bout at 77kg was between Shane Nix and Rick Alchin for 3x5min rounds. Nix came to the fight with the record of 5KO’s from 6 victories and he was first to take down his opponent. Nix was on top in the guard started to bleed heavily over his eye. Referee Con Pappy stepped in to have the cut checked by the doctor. The fight resumed and both fighters stepped the pace up a little.

The fight soon went down to the ground again and Shane Nix dominated from half guard, unleashing torrents of punches and elbows. The referee was forced to intervene, stopping the fight in the first round.

It was a good win for Shane Nix who improves his record to 9F 7W 6KO.

OLL O R R T T N N O O C C N O G OCTA

PROTECT AND SERVE

TO

Steve Perceval

CFC, UFC and International MMA ref Steve Perceval tells us what it takes to be the man in the middle

How did you get into refereeing MMA? I had refereed a lot of martial arts and BJJ competitions before MMA really kicked off in NSW and when I saw the first King of the Cage event at Penrith Panthers I thought I would like to have a go refereeing cage fighting. It was in May 2007 when I made my refereeing debut on Lucy Tui and Mark Hunt’s Oceanic Titles. I refereed about six MMA matches including the main event between Fabio Galeb and the now CFC and Bellator middleweight world champion Hector Lombard. It was a great initiation to MMA refereeing.

Do you have a background in martial arts yourself?

Yes, I have been training in martial arts most of my life and currently hold a 4th degree black belt in Hapkido and a black belt in BJJ. I also teach at my own martial arts centre, ‘Ultimate Fighting Arts’ 55 York Rd Penrith. I still love training and mix it up regularly in boxing, kickboxing and of course MMA with my instructors and students. It’s great fun and yes I do know what it’s like to be hit hard.

What skills does a good MMA ref need?

In my opinion a good MMA referee should have experience in both stand-up fighting and BJJ. There are a many reasons I believe this and the main one is that there are intricate positions on the ground that stand-up experienced referees just do not understand. I have seen the advantage taken away from fighters on too many occasions because the referee thinks nothing is happening and does not have a good understanding of the ground game.

Is making fighters stand up a decision you take lightly?

No, one fighter has worked to get a takedown and gain a dominant position. If I stand them up because there is not as much action as the fans like then I am favouring the disadvantaged fighter

51 www.cornerman.com.au

(letting him out) and taking away the advantage of the fighter who worked so hard to gain the dominant position. MMA is a far different combat sport to boxing, kickboxing or Muay Thai and the fighters deserve a referee who has a good understanding of the rules, positions and techniques used in MMA. What’s the hardest part of the job?

The job is great, I have worked on the top MMA shows in Australia and in Singapore including the CFC, Martial Combat and of course UFC 110 and 127. Refereeing can be very testing and I have been in the firing line on internet forums for some of the decisions I’ve made but it’s all worth it, especially when a fighter or his family come and thank you for stopping the fight and looking out for their safety.

What’s the worst injury that’s occurred while you’ve been on the job?

I haven’t had any major injuries happen while I have been refereeing, thank God. I guess the worst injury was a badly dislocated elbow which was done by the fighter himself. The most blood in a fight that I refereed was easily Art Santore who ended up with huge gashes in his head and face, compliments of Hector Lombard’s elbows. It looked bad and there was a lot of blood, but once I stopped the fight Art stood up. He was coherent and in good spirits and went straight over to Hector and congratulated him on the victory.

We hear you turned down an MMA reffing job because you didn’t like the rules…

I was the head referee for the ESPN Star Sports MMA show called Martial Combat in Singapore and the promoter flew me out 6 times in 2010 to head up the officials for the event. In 2011 I was set to fly back to Singapore (had my flights booked and all) for the same promoter and his

new MMA show, OneFC. A couple of weeks out the promoter decided that they would change the rules, they wanted to use a hybrid set of rules which I feel are not safe for the fighters. I only endorse and enforce the Unified rules for MMA so when the promoter asked me to allow head kicks and stomps to a grounded opponent, I declined the position. The Unified rules were created for the safety of the fighters, MMA is tough enough without the inclusion of stomps and head kicks to a grounded fighter. I am proud of my decision. I’ve missed out on a great gig but I’m standing up for what I believe in, and I believe in the Unified rules.

Are the rules in CFC the same as UFC? Are there any rules you’d like to see changed in the future?

The CFC use the Unified rules which are the rules used in the UFC and most other large promotions around the world today. As I mentioned, the Unified rules were implemented to protect the fighters, so why mess around with something that works.

Is it exciting being a part of the CFC when the sport is growing so quickly?

I have been with the CFC from the beginning (before the CSA existed). It is the most prestigious and professionally run MMA show in Australia. The promoter Luke Pezutti gave me the authority as the head referee to organise and control the officials, enforce the rules and implement systems which had not been seen in Australia on any other MMA show before. It is exciting to think that many fighters I have reffed in the CFC are now fighting in the UFC and other large international promotions. Kyle Noke, Anthony Perosh, Jamie TeHuna, Brian Ebersole and Bernardo Treko all fight on the UFC. I think the CFC is a great stepping stone for fighters to gain experience and work their way up to fighting on the large international shows.

www.cornerman.com.au 51

results results

KO (round KO3)(round 3) Frank Frank Sanchez Sanchez

VS VS

Airiam Airiam Tujillo Tujillo Brad Brad Oliver Oliver KO (roundKO2)(round 2)

results results

SOUTHPORT SOUTHPORTQLDQLD

Winner (pts) Huss Huss Anaout AnaoutWinner (pts)

VS VS

TKO (round TKO1)(round 1) Priscus Priscus Fogagnolo Fogagnolo

24th 24th February February 2012 2012

Dan Dan Trifogly Trifogly

VS VS

The The month month of February of February saw saw the CFC the CFC showcase showcase a a fightfight nightnight of upofand up and coming coming Aussie Aussie mixed mixed martial martial artists artists showshow therethere skills.skills.

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TheyThey see themselves see themselves as as winners winners for getting for getting in the in arena the arena and and performing performing for their for their adoring adoring legion legion of supporters. of supporters.

FightFight afterafter fightfight left nothing left nothing in reserve. in reserve.

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Those Those whowho came came to to see asee fullanight full night of action of action left satisfied left satisfied afterafter much much waiting waiting and and anticipation anticipation for the for return the return to CFC to CFC to to the Goldie. the Goldie.

The The showshow moves moves to Sydney to Sydney to the to Big the Big Top Luna Top Luna Park.Park.

Till then, Till then, CFCCFC continues continues to grow to grow fromfrom strength strength to strength. to strength.

We We looklook forward forward to CFC to CFC 21 at21Homebush at Homebush StateState SportSport Centre Centre where where locallocal and and internationals internationals will be willshowcased be showcased and and the the monster, monster, which which is MMA, is MMA, will continue. will continue.

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Murdoch-HPA-Dec2011.pdf Murdoch-HPA-Dec2011.pdf 1

VS VS

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JoeJoe Muir Muir SoaSoa Palelei Palelei

TKO (round TKO2)(round 2)

VS VS

Shunsuke Shunsuke Inoue Inoue EricEric Garber Garber KO (roundKO1)(round 1) VS VS

Jai Jai Bradney Bradney BenBen Wall Wall

Winner (pts) Winner (pts)

VS VS

RobRob Lisita Lisita Dylan Dylan Andrews Andrews TKO (round TKO1)(round 1) VS VS

Steve Steve Thomas Thomas Josh Payne Josh Payne VS VS

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Igor Igor Lokteff Lokteff TKO (round TKO1)(round 1) VS VS

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VIEW VIEW Announcer Announcer James James White White hashas been been in in thethe business business forfor decades. decades.

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FIGHT FIGHTGYMS GYMS

for forfighters, fighters,fitness fitness& &fun fun

MURDOCHS MURDOCHS WORKSHOP WORKSHOP 58 58 Medcalf Medcalf St.,St., Warners Warners Bay Bay Phone: Phone: Rob Rob Murdoch Murdoch 0408 0408 508508 474474 or or Serin Serin Murray Murray 0412 0412 770770 754754

Friday Friday 23th 23th March March 2012 2012

CENTRAL CENTRAL COAST COAST EVOLUTION EVOLUTION FITNESS FITNESS CENTRE CENTRE 2/92/9 Mildron Mildron Rd., Rd., Tuggerah Tuggerah Phone: Phone: Rob Rob Murdoch Murdoch Jr Jr 0414 0414 807807 957957 or or Matt Matt Cashmore Cashmore 0420 0420 969969 655655

results results

Blake Blake Lornie-Dunge Lornie-Dunge TKO (round TKO1)(round 1) 52 52 www.cornerman.com.au www.cornerman.com.au

results results

Cameron Cameron Hossain Hossain

NoNoBull Bullfight fight4444 NSW NSW

TKO (round TKO3)(round 3)

VS VS

Jordan Jordan Tonna Tonna Khai Khai Doan Doan

Sunday Sunday 26th 26th April April 2012 2012

TKO2)(round 2) TKO (round

The The scene scene waswas set for set afor great a great nightnight Out Out WestWest the show the show moved moved into into town, town, VS VS Winner (pts) Danny Danny KimKim Winner (pts) of action, of action, diehard diehard fansfans in ebbs in ebbs Charlie Charlie McInnes McInnes venue venue - the- italian the italian clubclub in downtown in downtown VS VS and and flows, flows, make make theirtheir wayway into into the the Northbridge, Northbridge, the site the of sitepast of past ring ring Andrew Andrew Ong Ong Winner (pts) Winner (pts) Bernie Bernie Connors Connors lit arena. lit arena.

The The bell bell ringsrings for what for what and and nownow cagecage wars. wars.

M1 promoM1 promoVS VS Jarred Jarred Anderson Anderson Winner (pts) Winner (pts) is toisbetoan beafternoon an afternoon come come earlyearly Michelle Michelle Hutchinson Hutchinson tionstions werewere proud proud to present to present showshow VS VS evening, evening, of amateurs of amateurs showing showing theirtheir number number 13.

Lucky 13.

Lucky for some, for some, unlucky unlucky Oliver Oliver Yulimto Yulimto TKOX)(round X) Riley Riley burke burke TKO (round skillsskills months, months, and and for some for some eveneven for others. for others.

Locals Locals came came in droves in droves to to VS VS Oneone Betham Oneone Betham Winner (pts) Winner (pts) Sam Sam Stern Stern years years out of outthe of game, the game, making making see homegrown see homegrown fighters fighters taketake on the on the VS VS comebacks to the to ring. the ring.

The The sound sound JoeJoe Jankulovski Jankulovski interstate interstate warriors. warriors.

The The atmosphere atmosphere Andrew Andrew Phaa Phaa YuuYuu Inrg Inrg comebacks of screaming of screaming fans fans rings rings out into out into VS VS was was electric! electric!

On show On show would would be the be the NO CONTEST NO CONTEST Blake Blake Kurtis Kurtis Winner (pts) Winner (pts) Jason Jason Stewart Stewart the night. the night.

The The fight-card fight-card had had no no likes likes of Kennedy, of Kennedy, Oliver, Oliver, Williams, Williams, VS VS shortage shortage of fights, of fights, in fact in fact coming coming Morgan Morgan Williams Williams Keith McGraneWinner (pts) Keith McGrane Winner (pts) Kemps, Kemps, Cameron, Cameron, Petanovic, Petanovic, Roberts Roberts up would up would be 19 be evenly 19 evenly matched matched VS VS Paul Paul JudJud McKinnon McKinnon and and of course of course the one the one theythey all came all came Christian Christian Peters Peters bouts. bouts.

A fight A fight to remember to remember waswas VS VS to see, to see, making making his first his first defence defence Winner (pts) Tiago Tiago Roriz Roriz Winner (pts) Lee Fook Lee Fook in aninupset an upset overover his more his more Michael Michael Fisher FisherWinner (pts) Winner (pts) Bunbury Bunbury fighter, fighter, Shaun Shaun Spooner.

Spooner.

WildWild accomplished accomplished and and undefeated undefeated VS VS Jake Jake Russian RussianWinner (pts) Winner (pts) scenes scenes of hysterically of hysterically excited excited fansfans and and Mikey Mikey Shoco Shoco VS VS opponent opponent JulioJulio Petrino Petrino by majority by majority a chorus a chorus of boo’s of boo’s peppered peppered withwith handhand Justin Justin Lewis Lewis Dan Dan Trofroli Trofroli Winner (pts) decision.

Petrino, Petrino, withwith precision precision Winner (pts)decision. clapsclaps greetgreet Rob Rob Whittaker Whittaker on entry on entry VS VS kickskicks and and punches, punches, tooktook round round Samuel Samuel Rowland Rowland Junior Junior Tailo Tailo into into the cage. the cage.

Shaun Shaun Spooner Spooner makes makes VS VS one.one.

Petrino Petrino starting starting strong, strong, triedtried his way into into the cage the cage on the on back the back of of Steven Steven O’Neil O’NeilSub (roundSub2)(round 2) his way Mark Mark Harris Harris Winner (pts) Winner (pts)to give to give FookFook a sniff a sniff at victory at victory whowho ecstatic ecstatic wild wild cheering. cheering.

The The time time for for VS VS finished finished strong strong and and tooktook round round two.two.

Sam Sam Jenkins JenkinsWinner (pts) Winner (pts) Luke Luke Logan Logan talk talk was was over.over.

DingDing the bell the bell went. went.

BothBoth VS VS Round Round threethree started started much much the same. the same.

Liam Liam Ghalayini Ghalayini fighters fighters sizing, sizing, stalking stalking and and searching searching Sonia Sonia Lang Lang Winner (pts) Winner (pts)Petrino Petrino sensing, sensing, he needed he needed to stay to stay VS VS for any signsign of weakness. of weakness.

The The opporopporWinner (pts) for any BenBen Kelly Kelly Winner (pts) strong strong to the to end the end gavegave everything everything Sandra Sandra Drew Drew tunitytunity to take to take advantage advantage withwith a long a long VS VS he had he had but came but came up short, up short, FookFook Henry Henry Culque CulqueWinner (pts) Winner (pts) Alexander Alexander Armstron Armstron five minutes five minutes of strategy of strategy and and planning, planning, victorious. victorious.

The The sentimental sentimental fightfight VS VS the right the right execution execution was was paramount. paramount.

Julian Julian Wills Wills of the of night the night would would havehave to gototogo to What What would would transpire transpire would would be shock be shock birthday boy boy Daniel Daniel Gooch Gooch turning turning Winner (pts)birthday Blake Blake foster foster Winner (pts) and and aweawe tactics tactics usedused

by Whittaker.

by Whittaker.

VS VS 18 on 18the on night the night and and a fight, a fight, he he TimTim Patmore Patmore In just In under just under 2 minutes 2 minutes the fight the fight was was would would longlong remember. remember.

He won He won TKO (round TKO1)(round 1) Hassen Hassen Arnaout Arnaout over,over, onceonce again again proving proving he ishe theis the withwith a spectacular a spectacular KO KO of his of much his much VS VS “real“real deal”. deal”.

The The victory victory out west out west gavegave experienced experienced and and older older opponent opponent 10th 10th February February 2012 2012 Marshall Marshall Gray Gray Whittaker Whittaker MainMain EventEvent status status on the on the PiersPiers Szivos.

Szivos.

The The mainmain event event waswas Lee Lee Fook Fook The The yearyear for me for would me would begin begin withwith a a upcoming upcoming MayMay 18 clash 18 clash versus versus the the nothing nothing short short of excitement of excitement between between VS VS bang bang on the on 10th the 10th of February. of February.

The The stylish Winner (pts)Farid Farid Habibeh Habibeh and and country country boy boy stylish JesseJesse Juarez Juarez at CFC at CFC 21. 21.

Julio Julio Putrino Putrino Winner (pts) venue venue waswas St. Mary’s St. Mary’s Band Band Club.

Club. fromfrom Millthorpe Millthorpe Makk Makk “Magic” “Magic” Mc Mc Daniel Daniel Gooch GoochKO (roundKO2)(round 2)Naught On previous On previous occasions occasions therethere waswas no no Naught aka aka “Makk “Makk the Knife”. the Knife”.

In a In a VS VS disappointment disappointment and and this this waswas to beto be evenly evenly matched matched fightfight the boys the boys wentwent Piers Piers Szivos Szivos no different no different - a night - a night of amateurs of amateurs toe to toetoe to going toe going the distance. the distance.

Makk Makk Mark Mark Zalenski Zalenski TKO (round 3) TKO (round 3) Shaun Shaun Spooner Spooner and and professionals professionals going going headhead to to weaving weaving his magic his magic taking taking the title the title to to VS VS VS VS GNP (round GNP1)(round 1) Brendan Brendan McGettigan McGettigan head. head.

There There waswas great great anticipation anticipation become become the new the new Australian Australian WKA WKA Robert Robert Whittaker Whittaker in the in crowd the crowd which which waswas growing growing lightweight Thai-boxing Thai-boxing champion. champion.

GNP (round GNP1)(round 1) Andrew Andrew Webb WebbKO (roundKO1)(round 1)lightweight Steve Steve Kennedy Kennedy stronger stronger as we as were we were getting getting closer closer Millthorpe Millthorpe would would welcome welcome its new its new VS VS VS VS Damien Damien lankin lankin to the to fight. the fight.

We We werewere in for in afor fulla full Samuel Samuel Fiamatai Fiamatai sports sports champion champion withwith a wild a wild tickertickerspectacle. spectacle.

DingDing Ding!

Ding!

The The bell bell parade. parade.

In conclusion, In conclusion, NBFN NBFN Shelley Shelley Doble Doble Winner (pts) Winner (pts)tapetape SUB1)(round 1) Dave Dave Vergers VergersSUB (round VS VS goesgoes fromfrom fightfight 1 to1the to main the main event, event, 44 was 44 was a successful a successful nightnight of fight of fight VS VS Vanessa Vanessa Taylor Taylor theythey just just keptkept coming. coming.

The The room room Teemu Teemu Danielsson Danielsson action. action. waswas nownow full to fullcapacity. to capacity.

The The fights fights for NBFN for NBFN 45 coming 45 coming soon. soon.

Makk Makk McNaught McNaught Winner (pts) Winner (pts)LookLook TKO2)(round 2) JoelJoel Oliver Oliver TKO (round VS VS began began withwith a points a points decision decision to anto an VS VS Fareed Fareed Habibeh Habibeh up and up and coming coming BENBEN KELLY. KELLY. The The Shantaram Shantaram Maharaj Maharaj nightnight ebbsebbs and and flowsflows withwith many many KrisKris Kemps Kemps DRAW DRAW points points decisions. decisions.

WithWith one one MMA MMA VS VS Fareed Fareed Habibeh Habibeh vs Makk vs Makk McNauth McNauth Jordan Jordan Cameron Cameron boutbout sprinkled sprinkled amongst amongst the many the many Photo: Photo: Shelley Shelley Barnes Barnes modified modified ThaiThai fights, fights, the main the main event event Daniel Mitchell Daniel Mitchell TKO (round TKO1)(round 1) bell bell rangrang into into the night the night for the for frenthe frenVS VS Jack Jack Johns Johns ziedzied crowd crowd whowho waited waited patiently patiently for for hours hours to see to SANCHEZ see SANCHEZ knock knock out out JoeJoe Hotai Hotai SUB (round SUB2)(round 2) TUJILLO TUJILLO in the in third the third round. round.

EveryEveryVS VS Albert Albert Patu Patu bodybody wentwent home home happy, happy, the fans the fans werewere satisfied, satisfied, the promoter the promoter waswas Dean Dean Roberts RobertsTKO (round TKO1)(round 1) VS VS happy. happy.

A great A great nightnight of action of action waswas Jason Jason Rooke Rooke had had and and seenseen by all byas allaas great a great startstart Danny Danny Petanovic Petanovic SUB (round SUB1)(round 1) to 2012. to 2012.

Many Many ThaiThai and and the hybrid the hybrid VS VS typestypes of fights. of fights.

Success!

Success!

Gokan Gokan Akturk Akturk

ANNIHILATION ANNIHILATION3 3 STSTMARY’ MARY’ S NSW S NSW

Muay MuayThai Thai- Kickboxing - Kickboxing NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE

Superfight Superfight Australia Australia13 13WAWA

VS VS

Dominic Dominic Chiavone Chiavone

ADAM thompson

“THE PROJECT”

age esteem. Today I jumped on the scales and the number that appeared before me was 84.2.

Week 8 Hi Body, We last spoke on November 22nd 2011 when I apologized for the way I had treated you over the years. I was positive we had turned a new leaf and that we were on the same page about giving living together harmoniously another shot. Well I won’t lie to you I am feeling hard done by at the moment.

Week 9 We men are funny things. One of the strangest complexities of our make up is how much we enjoy having a bit of a rumble. It really does defy general logic that 2 mates could put on some gloves punch each other in the face only to smile about it afterwards. What is it about a couple of cold ones that make us want to wrestle with those we consider close friends?

Week 10 When I decided to go ahead with THE FIGHT PROJECT I didn’t really go through a pros and cons list. Today the umpteenth person told me I was mad for doing this. You know when you hear something so often you start to believe it, well that happened for a second today. After 10 weeks I think I have an OK idea of this caper and am now in a good position to put together a pros and cons list.

Week 11

Follow the tough 17-week journey of journalist Adam Thompson in his quest to enter the ring. An inside view of the transformation of a complete beginner to a professional athlete.

T

HIS are extracts from ‘The Fight Project’ website. You can view the complete dayby-day blogs, and videos of Adam on thefightproject.com.au.

Week 1 I had a pretty testing day on a couple of fronts.

It started this morning with a special boxing session with legendary boxing trainer Johnny Lewis.

As I hit the pads the master motivator had me talking to him the whole session. Not about anything in particular – the news, rugby league general stuff. When I started to drop off he made me pick up the pace and keep talking. Before I knew it the session was finished and I had hit pads for an hour non-stop. What that taught me was when I am relaxed what seems incomprehensible at first may just be achievable. I am so far off where I need to be in every aspect but I am starting to believe deep down – I CAN DO THIS. Week 2 Yesterday’s kickboxing session with Bulldog

54 www.cornerman.com.au

Gym came back to bite me this morning. My body just ached from the shots I took to the torso and my first bruise appeared. I am expecting a few more of these along the way.

Week 3 Look, it’s not as though I didn’t know this was going to happen. My body was built for cuddles and providing shade not 16km runs and fighting for 15 minutes in a cage. Over the last 48 hours my back has taken centre stage in the show about my injuries, but as I learnt today it was a mere warm up act. This morning I suffered a grade 2 hamstring tear.

Week 4 I headed to Revolution X for a session with Hayden, James Te Huna & the Pirtek Athletic Allstars. It was all about upper body weights, which were made even more challenging due to the 1500 metre swim I had done yesterday. I managed to get a decent sweat going but still well short of what I want to be doing.

Week 5 Being a fighter, in particular an injured fighter is pretty lonely. For me it’s not a depressing thing just leaves you alone with your thoughts. While I have loads of great training partners, coaches and support staff much of my day is spent driving on my “Pat Malone” between gyms or treatment clinics.

Week 6 So I am well aware that I have been a bit negative lately. It is not my go to be down on myself too often and I am disappointed that I have been that way. Look I am not Anthony Robbins but I am a pretty positive bloke generally. I guess I just wasn’t prepared mentally for the tests that come from living this full time life of an athlete.

Week 7 On November 19 2011, it was the night before THE FIGHT PROJECT began and I weighed in at 94.2. At 30% body fat I was in a terrible way and used my bubbly exterior to cover up a pretty aver-

My Strength and Conditioning Coach Hayden Knowles always asks the athletes within the Competitive Edge stable to provide evidence they want to reach their goals. It is some wisdom he passed on to me that was passed on to him by none other than Rugby League Super Coach Wayne Bennett.

This week Hayden is in camp with Bennett for the NRL Allstars camp and invited me down for breakfast with the team.

Week 12 It is pretty easy to look at THE FIGHT PROJECT as my self-indulgent journey to live out my child hood dream of being a professional athlete but honestly it is about so much more than that. What began as one person’s social experiment has evolved into something that people believe in and that belief has become my driving force. THE FIGHT PROJECT has become as much about the unsung heroes as it is about me.

Week 13 So not all but most fighters have a nickname.

They are sometimes creative and sometimes just plain weird but I figure regardless I am doing this fighting thing once so I need to do it but I don’t think coming up with my own one works. Back at school I can’t imagine giving myself the moniker of “Legend” would have stuck.

Week 14 When you think of great fighters you may conjure up images of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson or Anderson Silva. Before today I did the same but one visit with training partner and UFC fighter James Te Huna to the The Children’s Hospital Westmead’s Oncology Unit changed all that. Now when I think of fighter I will remember the kids and parents I met today and their battle against this unforgiving disease.

Week 15 Ahhhhh training with injuries. It comes with the territory but how you manage that is up to you. Now as the fight draws near I won’t lie I am getting quite paranoid about soaking up as much as I can in the short time I have left. Making sure my “fight fitness” is spot on is a priority which makes the idea of resting my niggles hard for me to swallow. So some would say stupidly, I attempt to grit my teeth and push through. Did I mention that was stupid?

Week 16 It has been decided. On Saturday 24th March at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre I will fight as Adam “THE PROJECT” Thompson. It was the weight of public opinion not my desire to push my brand to an audience that was the decisive factor, I promise! It just makes sense and as someone said as we were taking suggestions – THE PROJECT has a scary Stephen King vibe going for it. Well that is my story and I’m sticking with it!

Week17 Let me just attempt to make you feel guilty. This will be the last thing I hear before I get in the cage people so be smart! If you want a chance to a) laugh b) make me laugh and rock my focus go with Robert Tepper or Elton John.

Fight Week Fight week has begun. One of the first jobs – getting rid of my damn cauliflower ears. Hanging out of the side of my head like some bike handlebars that had been half chewed by my dog, they looked disgraceful. It is funny the different responses you get from them – in an office they turn people off their lunch, in the gym they are a badge of honor.

F ight Day Heading into the fight I felt good. My fitness was great in the warm up and my head was clear.

I was focused on my game plan and what I needed to do.. My coach Tama Te Huna wanted me to get in the cage to get a feel for it so we headed out 15 minutes prior to the bout. He wanted me to know every corner, every inch of mat; he wanted me to feel at home. I felt good, I felt ready.

I returned to the change room with an even steelier resolve than when I had left, tunnel vision had set in. The nervousness I had so anxiously waited for had arrived but I was OK with that, I was harnessing them as I moved around with Tama for my final warm up. The call for us to walk out to the cage came and I was charged. I heard that music and made that walk. I could hear the crowd but could only see my opponent. I really have never felt that level of focus before.

We’ve caught up with coach Tama Tehuna after the fight.

“He’s like one of my close mates, everyone who meets him likes him, best thing about it is I like him because he laughs on my shit jokes, but being here for whole experience, he’s gone from nothing to a fighter. That was a pro fight with elbows for 3 rounds. He’s done it, he fought his heart out, he got tapped out in the second round but hey, he got there and he fought.”

Watch the full progression on www.thefightproject.com.au

www.cornerman.com.au 55

MAY 2012

t key poin

explosive Explosive

your power To e iv s lo d 3-5. lop exp To deve ould be aroun nce your reps sh power endura 50. The develop uld be from 6 ving fast o o h s m s e tb rep ou mus key is y at all times!

Matt Spooner is a strength and conditioning coach based in Sydney, writes for UFC Magazine and has trained numerous fighters over the past 15 years. www.elitestrengthconditioning.com.au, mspooner@elitestrenghtconditioning.com.au

JUMPING SPLIT SQUATS

1

I really like using kettle bells with this movement as they force you to stabilize your core due to the front rack position.

But if they are not available a barbell or dumbbells are fine.

To start assume a full lunge position, front knee directly above your ankle, back knee gently touches the ground.

Now explosively jump switching your feet in mid air, land softly and repeat the movement for prescribed reps.

Don’t use so much weight that you can not move fast. Speed is the key.

2

3

SQUAT JUMPS

FOR THE SPEED ATHLETE

1

2

3

4

1

2

To start with use approx 30% of your one rep max back squat to develop explosive power (go even lighter than this for power endurance) Perform a deep squat (as far down as your flexibility allows) now without stopping jump, your feet leave the ground and then land softly and go straight back down into the deep squat and jump repeat for reps.

JUMPING DEADLIFT SHRUGS I like kettle bells for this movement but dumbbells are good as well. Assume a jump width stance. Now driving off the ground, jump up but keep light contact with the ground. At the top of the movement when your hips are fully extended shrug your shoulders to your ears, lower the weight, jump and repeat for reps. Developing ‘triple extension’ power of the ankle, knee and hip is the basic way the human body produces power. JUMP!

M

ost (if not all) true sports require speed & explosive power for top level performance. Some athletes (who are lucky) are born with the natural ability to produce speed and explosive power,while some athletes will have to try and develop this skill during their sport specific training and also whilst they are in the gym.

Some of the top gyms for professional athletes actually have monitoring equipment that tests and records the athlete’s ability to produce power. An example of this is a ‘Force Plate’ that is built into the floor that the athlete stands on whilst performing power movements.

The platform is hooked up to a computer that measures the athlete’s ability to produce power through the floor.

Now this is an awesome tool but unfortunately well out of

56 www.cornerman.com.au

1

2

PLYOMETRIC BENCH PRESS

3

The bench press is a great way to develop upper body pressing strength, but if we use lighter weights that we can actually throw, it becomes a good way to help develop upper body power and speed.

Again the aim is to use a weight we can always move fast. At the top of the press actually let go of the bar, catcch, lower and repeat for reps. Always use a power rack or have a spotter when performing these as this exercise can be dangerous if you miss the catch.`

1 reach of most gyms due to the cost of such equipment.

The definition for Power is “the ability to move heavy loads over long distance, quickly”. We can use this formula & basic equipment that most gyms now have to help develop our explosive power and power endurance.

As we’ve said this type of training is great for nearly all sports, but especially good for combat sports like Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA. Olympic weight lifting is arguable the best way to develop explosive power with strength and conditioning programs, but it also requires expert experienced coaching to be able to do it safely, effectively and correctly, as the Olympic Lifts are very technical.

So lets use some common tools found in most gyms. to develop power with an easier approach.

PLYOMETRIC PULL-CHIN UP A very challenging exercise designed to develop explosive upper body pulling strength. Using a straight chin up bar pull up as fast & as high as you can. Now at the top let go of the bar, quickly transferring your grip from a chin up (under hand grip) to a pullup (over hand grip). Repeat for repetitions.

1

2

3

Due to the extreme challenge of this movement reps 1-5 are most common, but if you are powerful enough you could always wear a weighted vest!

I highly recommend you seek out an experienced strength and conditioning coach that is experienced qualified to teach you correct lifting techniques and program design.

3

MAY 2012

directory NAME

BUSINESS

ADDRESS

CONTACT

WEBSITE/EMAIL

JAMES WHITE

Event MC

NSW

0415 641 190

MICHAEL PEDAVOLI

Event MC

PO Box 4500, Lakehaven NSW 2263

0414 484 270

MC2 MANAGEMENT

Fighter management and marketing

Suite 2 125 Oxford St, Bondi Junction

BOXING WORKS

Boxing, kickboxing and MMA gym

23 Pelican St, Darlinghurst, NSW

(02) 9267 7484

www.boxingworks.com.au

IGOR MMA

MMA Gym

32 Ebley St, Bondi Junction, NSW

(02) 9387 4446

www.igormma.com

ILLAWARRA KYOKUSHIN KARATE

Karate/ kickboxing gym

2/ 4–6 Third Avenue, Unandera, NSW

0421 284 825

www.illawarrakyokushin. com.au

KICKSTART BOXING & PT

Boxing/ kickboxing gym

1/12 Rickard Rd, Narrabeen, NSW

0409 077 623

NO CONTEST ACADEMY ST.MARYS

Boxing gym

5/6 Crana St, Blacktown, NSW

PITBULL GYM

Muay thai kickboxing gym

THE BOXING SHOP BULLDOG GYM BALMAIN

PAGE

EVENT MC Page 52-53 boxingringhire@gmail.com www.2mc2.com.au louise.milburn@2mc2.com.au

Page 36

GYMS Page 24

BUSINESS directory NAME

BUSINESS

ADDRESS

CONTACT

WEBSITE/EMAIL

PAGE

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ROCKFINGRZ

Photography NSW

0414 466 360

photographybyrockfingrz@ gmail.com

SHADOW BOXOGRAPHY

Photography NSW

0400 815 001

shadowboxography@gmail. com

Inside Back Cover

SOUTHSIDE STUDIOS

Photography NSW

0408118860

www.southsidestudios.com.au

Back cover

MARTIAL ARTS SUPPLIES & MOUTH GUARDS ZETT

Combat sports equipment

5/38 Cantebury Rd, Bankstown, NSW

(02) 9793 8008

www.zettsport.com.au

http://kickstart.net.au

ZOE’S MARTIAL ARTS

Combat sports equipment

810 Princes Highway, Tempe NSW

1300 750 061

www.boxingsupplies.com.au

(02) 9623 3233

www.nocontestacademy.com.au

AMOUR MOUTHGUARDS

Custom Mouthguards NSW

0414 585 827 0405 783 777

www.armourmouthguards. com.au

28a Hampden Rd, South Wentworthville, NSW

9688 3197 0417 446 438

www.pitbullkickboxing.com

RHINO MOUTHGUARDS

Custom Mouthguards

50 Burnie St, Clovelly, NSW

(02) 9664 9335

www.rhinomouthguards.com

Page 38

Boxing gym

170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD

1300 66 00 17

www.theboxingshop.com.au

SMAI BOXING & MMA EQUIPMENT

Combat sports equipment

105-119 Jardine St, Fairy Meadow, NSW

(02) 4283 4363

www.smai.com.au

Page 44

Thaiboxing Gym

276 A Norton street Leichhardt, NSW

0404 037 060

bulldoggymbalmain.com Gyms

Page 46

WEB SOLUTIONS SAW STUDIO

GYMS & PROMOTIONS BONDI BOXING & MUAY THAI GYM

Boxing and muay thai gym

284 Bondi Rd, Bondi, NSW

0402 622 662

www.bondimuaythai.com.au

BULLDOG GYM MANLY

Thaiboxing Gym

4 Hayes st, Balgowlah, NSW

(02) 9949 3533 0417 239 843

www.thaiboxing.com.au

EVOLUTION FITNESS CENTRE

Muay thai kickboxing gym

2/9 Mildron Rd, Tuggerah NSW

0414 807 957

FITE 108 MUAY THAI KICKBOXING

Muay thai kickboxing gym

5/10 Bluegum Close, Tuggerah, NSW

0414 611 097

www.fite108.com.au

FULL FORCE BLACKTOWN

Thaiboxing Gym

40 Third Avenue, Blacktown, NSW

42580 0297

fullforcegym.com.au/Gyms / Promotions

JOE’S BOXING

Boxing gym

20/118 Queens Rd, Five Dock, NSW

(02) 9715 2083

www.joesboxing.com.au

MURDOCH’S WORKSHOP

Muay thai kickboxing gym

58 Medcalf St, Warners Bay, NSW

0408 508 474

BODYPUNCH BOXING GYM

Boxing gym

3rd Floor, 71-75 Wangee Road, Lakemba, NSW

0415 600 448

www.teamhussein.com

Page 28

20 Bond St, Sydney, NSW

0417 046 783

alex@businessmansboxing. com

Page 16

Web solutions Worldwide

spikee1@gmail.com www. sawstudio.com.au

SUPPLEMENTS Page 52

Page 14 Page 52

PROMOTIONS & RING HIRE BUSINESSMAN’S BOXING

Promotions

FIRST FIGHT PROMOTIONS

Corporate boxing NSW

0417 468 828 0412 819 033

firstfightpromotions@gmail.com

Page 8

JNI PROMOTIONS

Promotions

0418 475 901

jni@optusnet.com.au

Page 50

CKO BOXING RING HIRE

Ring hire NSW

0400 978 428 0421 339 625

stefanandmegs@hotmail.com

Page 10

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

Ring Hire

PO Box 4500, Lakehaven NSW 2263

0414 484 270

boxingringhire@gmail.com

NO BULL FITE NITE

Promotions/ring hire

28a Hampden Rd, South Wentworthville, NSW

(02) 9688 3197 0417 446 438

www.pitbullkickboxing.com

BLACK TIE BOXING

Corporate boxing NSW

www.blacktieboxing.com.au j.dooner@blacktieboxing. com.au

Inside Front Cover

ASN DARLINGHURST

Proteins

INTERNATIONAL PROTEIN

Proteins

79 Oxford st, Darlinghurst, NSW

02 9360 0222

www.australiansportsnutrition. com.au

Page 40

info@international-protein.com www.international-protein.com

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