In the main event, St Clair showcased his remarkable skills in dominating Ghana’s Theophilus Quaye. After out slicking Quay for the first five rounds, St Clair opened up in the sixth, forcing the challenger to hold from at the bell. St Clair complained Quaye had bit him, TV replay backed up his claim.
For the remainder of the bout, Quaye looked increasingly more uncomfortable and at the end of round ten his corner appeared to have stopped the fight as they began untying his gloves. Referee Chris Daley looked to have misread the situation forcing Quaye’s corner out of the ring and ordering the fight to continue. Rounds nine and ten had been so one sided that they were clear
10-8’s despite no knockdowns. At the end of the tenth, Quaye back pedalled across the ring and while he was never knocked down or badly staggered was out of his league rarely firing back. In the eleventh he took more punishment until with a minute left the towel came in. The fight was finally stopped a few seconds later and a couple of rounds too late. The genuine world class St Clair is a pleasure to watch and he appears to be more aggressive and punching harder since moving West under trainer Craig Christian. He said in the ring post fight that he just waiting on the contracts to face Manny Pacquiao in Manilla on November 27.

In the first ever female world title fight in Australia, Anyos added the WBF title to the WIBA she won from Jo Jo Wyman in California almost four years ago, by outworking tough Thai born Texan Linda Tenberg over 10x2 minute rounds. An entertaining and fast paced bout, the Team Fenech trained Anyos took charge in the fourth smothering Tenberg with one-two’s. Linda was in bother and hit cleanly with right hands on several occasions as Sharon swarmed her but tried hard to make a fight out of it. At the start of the final round both girls kissed. Official Scores: 100-90 (2) and 99-91. Ref Chris Anderson from Victoria. Eastside carded 99-91, giving Tenberg the third.

A well deserved victory for the blonde bombshell Sharon after having fought on the road over the last few years, copping a couple of heart breaking defeats in Japan in which she lost her WIBA title to Emiko Raika. She has previously told Eastside those two decisions were “absolute jokes”. This was her second crack at WBF laurels, being out pointed by Jane Couch in England in 1999.

In a middleweight 6x3, 2002 Commonwealth Games Welterweight Gold Medallist Daniel Geale made a successful pro debut with a knockout of veteran local Danny Bellert, a multiple state champion and former national title challenger at lt welter.
From the first round it was clear that the end would probably come from a left hook and it came at 1.23 of round three. A good start to the paid ranks by Geale, originally from Tasmania but now boxing out of Team Fenech. This was Bellert’s third comeback bout after six years absence. In his previous contest he was out pointed by the Coast’s Matt Burns on July 23.

Former Australian and PABA featherweight title challenger Daniel Hoskins looked a tad unfortunate not to get the nod in a drawn 6x3 with the Gold Coast Coast based Matt Heyes Powell. Heyes Powell weighed right on the featherweight limit and gave away 2.4 kg to late sub Daniel from the NSW North Coast who has been winless for four years. Heyes Powell was cornered by the evergreen southpaw Jeff “Flash” Malcolm, a winner of 100 fights and a former WBF, Commonwealth and PABA champ who was still rated by the WBA at the age of 44.

Queensland lt welterweight champ Brad Hemming won a split decision over Wayne Maynard over 6x2. Hemming weighed 65.8 kilo, around 4.5 kg more than his opponent and looked a bit under done. Brad’s hoping to fight for the Australian title in the coming months and will need to get straight back into some serious training.

In the opening 6x3 at welter, St Clair’s stablemate Jozef Mc Namara scored a UD over Brisbane’s Fabrice Hona. When in reasonable shape, journeyman Fab, former amateur champ who was having his eighth bout this year, is no push over and this was a good learning fight for the young West Australian. Mc Namara held an edge over the first four rounds before Fab came back in the fifth and was on his way to making it close on the cards in the sixth until he was dropped by a straight right towards the end.

Promoter Jeff Fenech. Foxsport commentators John Casey and Brad Vocale.

Double Trouble Proves Just That Toowoomba brothers Mick and Matt Shaw headlined a professional fight card at Oakey last night 25.09.04. The crowd was healthy one with 800 in attendance and commenced with an amateur undercard.
The first Professional fight was fought over 4 x 2 min round between Dave Smith and Ben Williams. This was a willing contest and fought on even terms throughout. Both fighters traded shots right to the bell. Smith was awarded the fight on points.

The next fight saw Mick Shaw step in the ring with former World Champion Kongthwait SorKitti. SorKitti is no stranger to the Darling Downs having fought here 5 months ago against highly regarded World Rated Michael Katsidis.

SorKitti entered the ring looking extremely fit and strong. Having seen plenty of his fights including 12 rounds with Nedal Hussein and 10 rounds with Gairy St. Clair both World Class fighters; Shaw's team went into the fight with a game plan to attack the body as this is where they felt there was a weakness. The fight started fast with SorKitti coming out throwing bombs, but he was telegraphing his punches and Mick Shaw was able to avoid most of these whilst landing crisp combinations himself. SorKitti was tough and seem to take the punches well.

The 2nd round saw the action heat up as SorKitti sought to out muscle and out hustle the Toowoomba boxer. Shaw was able to continue boxing from the outside and landed the more telling blows. Late in the round SorKitti attempted to drop down to the body with a right hand; Shaw stepped in and landed first, knocking SorKitti to the canvas with a crisp four punch combination. The Thai fighter claimed he had slipped but the referee correctly ruled a knockdown. SorKitti looked hurt but Shaw failed to press his advantage at this stage.

The third round saw more of the same action as SorKitti pressed forward and Shaw boxed from the outside with good lateral movement. SorKitti had more success in this round than the previous two as he managed to occasionally catch Shaw on the ropes. Shaw took the round with hard fast combinations off the ropes and moved SorKitti back to the centre of the ring.

The fourth round was a slugfest as Shaw tried to step up and land more power shots. SorKitti landed some wild left hooks and managed to catch Shaw on the ropes a bit more often. The fight was now turning into a good tactical battle with Shaw trying to control the action.

The start of the 5th round saw both boxers meet in the centre of the ring and they really let the leather fly. SorKitti threw a right hand and rolled underneath just as Shaw threw a left rip to the body. SorKitti ducked straight into the punch and took the full power of it across the chin. He was knocked to the canvas and arose on unsteady feet. This time the Toowoomba fireball would not let his Thai opponent off the hook. Shaw jumped straight onto SorKitti and punished him along the ropes. SorKitti was not finished yet and fought his way off the ropes with some wild punches which forced Shaw to step back. As SorKitti moved forward off the ropes his legs still appeared unsteady; Shaw noticed this and jumped straight back in and caught the Thai along the ropes again. He threw everything at the Thai knocking him to the ground for the 3rd time in the fight. SorKitti gamely rose to his feet but the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight saving the former World Champion, SorKitti from any further damage.

The Main Event saw Matt Shaw take on Thailand's Jennarong Sithsuntad. The fight started as a willing contest with Sithsuntad forcing the action and landing powerful right hands from the outset while Shaw boxed in his familiar fashion, landing long shots from the outside. Shaw was hit twice with low blows in the first, although unintentional as the styles of two fighters did not really suit and made it an untidy affair.

The second was fairly uneventful with Shaw continuing to take the points with smarter boxing. Sithsuntad was relentless in pressing forward though and did not stop trying to catch up with the taller Shaw. The third round turned out to be a turning point in the fight as Shaw was again hit low and the cut by a head clash. The referee however was not in good position to see the clash and recorded the cut as being via a punch. The cut was well controlled between rounds by Bill Ryan and the fourth round saw the fight resume with some urgency as both fighters believed the cut was caused by a head clash and therefore wanted to try to pick up the points as the score cards would come into play at the completion of the round. Shaw took another low blow and this time the Thailand fighter was given an official warning.
Shaw managed to control the round for the most part and won the round.

At the end of the 4th round the referee stopped the fight as he deemed the cut to be too severe. At this time he made his decision known that the cut was caused by a punch. This meant the fight was awarded to the Thailand fighter Jennarong Sithsuntad by TKO4.

This fight proved something of an anti-climax to a great night of boxing.
Double Trouble for the Shaw brothers as both faced tough Thailand fighters who came prepared for battle. There was the jubilation as Mick Shaw proved he is ready to step in with the bigger names in the Lightweight circles of Australia with his dominating performance of a tough opponent and former World Champion, this was mixed with the pain of Matt Shaw losing via controversial and uncontrolled circumstances for the 2nd time in a row.
Boxing is a tough sport but I am extremely proud of both boxers for not taking the easy route. They were stepped up and the showed that they can handle that next level of opponent

28 year-old Darchinyan, whose undefeated record stands at 21 wins and 0 losses with 16 explosive knockouts, will face left-handed Pacheco, who hails from Colombia and has a record of 30 wins and 0 losses with 21 knockouts.

The world title fight will be televised to million of boxing fans live across the USA on ESPN2, headlining their Friday Night Fights card, and will be seen on one week delay into Australia on ESPN.

The hard-hitting southpaw (left-hander) joined Team Fenech in 2000 after representing his native Armenia at the Olympic Games in Sydney and and in July became an Australia citizen.

Darchinyan, Fenech and Team Fenech stablemate Danny Green will travel to the USA next Monday 16th August 2004 to prepare for the fight.

All Team Fenech media inquiries and boxer interview requests can be directed to Mr Billy Hussein - 0414 302754.

"Team Fenech" - proudly sponsored by Ultimate Fire Protection, Sydney (61 2) 9836 3473

By Tony Nobbs
Photographs courtesy of RED CORNER PROMOTIONS
RED CORNER FIGHT PHOTO GALLERY

Cairns based Torres Straight Islander Arama ‘Warrior’ Tabuai took the Queensland state middleweight title from Brisbane’s Peter Rolph at the Brisbane Broncos RLFC on Friday night. The end came at 1.20 of round six, with the official outcome being a cut eye stoppage. Tabuai, a dangerous starter, knocked Rolph to the canvas with a straight right in one of the opening exchanges of the fight and controlled the first six minutes. Rounds three to five belonged to the plucky Rolph and it appeared he was going to scrap his way to a decision. However, in the concluding stanza Tabuai connected with a series of right hands that forced the referee to step in.
Rolph was originally cut in round one over his left eye. A good win for the entertaining Arama who previously won this title by TKO 10 over Nik Tamaufai in November 1997, in only his second paid bout.

In an absolute humdinger of a main support to this show promoted by Brian Kirwan’s Red Corner Promotions, Gold Coast heavyweight prospect Mark De Mori gutted his way to a six round draw with Samoan Alex Leapai. Down and all but gone in the fourth round, 108 kg De Mori (5-0-1, 4 KO) showed a heart as big as himself by taking the final two heats to get out with his unbeaten record intact. After a competitive opening two rounds, things heated up in the third with De Mori in trouble towards the end as the hard punching Leapai, now based in Woodridge, south of Brisbane opened up with a two fisted attack. Round four saw De Mori box well at the start, as head at the beginning of the third before Leapai got in with some tremendous shots and he was credited with a knockdown after De Mori hit the canvas. De Mori again went down near the bell but this time it was not ruled a knockdown. Rounds five and six were as action packed as most fights but paled in comparison to the previous two. The fight was one of the best you could expect from two heavyweight up and comers and the fans showed their appreciation by showering the ring. The term “war” is often over used in this country but this was a fight that could be given that description and when the decision was announced both combatants showed as much sportsmanship as they had courage!

Former Bronco Micheal Peachey scored a four round UD over Cairns’ Baden Oui in a heavyweight clash. Trained by former WBO # 1 lightweight Shane Knox and cornered by Australia’s best cutman, the ever reliable Bill College, Peachey showed quality skill and a superior fitness level to take each round against an opponent good enough to win an international amateur bout v an Irish opponent this year and turn pro by taking Mark De Mori the route at Easter.

Brad Hemming won the vacant state lt welterweight title by stopping Fabrice Hona who was not allowed to begin round two with a damaged right arm. After being stunned with a short right, Hemming stung into action scoring two knockdowns with only the bell preventing a third. The first knockdown was due to a solid right hand and the contest was as good as over from that moment. Even if Hona had not been injured it is doubtful his corner would have let it continue. Hemming, a gym mate of De Mori, goes by the nickname of the ‘Glamour Boy’ and has in the past showed a lack of killer instinct.
He was switched on-pink trunks and all- in this one and will next face fellow Coastie Paul Tapley for the welterweight belt. Former amateur Fabrice has retired.

Mick Shaw captured the state lightweight crown by grinding out a UD 8 over defending champ Danny Wilson. Shaw, a former national title challenger at jnr light, who was having only his second bout after a four year lay off had too much all round for Wilson, a southpaw who tried hard all the way. With a few more fights to rid the rust, Shaw should get back into contention.

In a welterweight four rounder to start the night, Chris McCullen registered a first round win at 2.13 over Kevin O’Neill.

This was the second card by Red Corner at the venue and the crowd was capacity.

SEE ALL THE FIGHT PICS !

Returning to the ring after a 4 year hiatus, there was nothing rusty about Mick "Pony" Shaw's blistering performance against defending champ Danny Wilson in Brisbane last night. Shaw took control early in a fight that had the capacity crowd at Broncos Leagues Club on it's feet more than once.

Wilson fought hard, but failed to land enough scoring punches on the quicker, more skillful Shaw.
RESULT : MICK SHAW BY UNANIMOUS DECISION 80-72, 79-72, 79-72
If Mick Shaw is a fighter with something to prove, he is well on the way to leaving no doubt he's up to the task.

Red Corner Promotions put together another top class, sellout event with well matched (by Derek Milham) & entertaining bouts throughout. Full report to come.

Shaw is coming off a classy defence against former Queensland Welterweight Champion Paul Tapley on Jamie Myers Foxsports show in June and is feeling ready.

Shaw’s brother Mick won the Queensland Lightweight Title last weekend and this has helped to spur Matthew onto bigger and better things. “I was so proud to see Mick win the QLD Title”, Shaw stated, “now it’s my turn again to uphold the family name”.

Shaw has represented Australia in New Zealand when he was a junior boxer but this will be his first overseas engagement since turning professional. “I am really looking forward to the fight as I feel I am representing Australia and there’s nothing better than that.”

To come from the cool weather of Toowoomba, Queensland and fight 12 rounds in the humidity of Fiji requires specialised training and conditioning. Shaw’s trainer has come up with some novel training ideas and has had his charge training in a sauna. “We’ve been doing light hand weights and focus pads inside the sauna, not just sitting there to get used to the heat, but actually working out for 45 minutes at a time. It’s been incredibly tough and Matt has handled it well.” Azar said.

Shaw will enter the bout in Fiji as the underdog with Zulfiker Ali’s father also being the promoter of the event, but Shaw and Azar are very confident they can return home with the victory.

Shaw knows the odds are against him after such a lengthy lay-off , but feels his focus and good sparring with partners including Chris McCullen and Australian Amateur Champion Brendon Wilson will help him to achieve his goal of winning his first professional Queensland Title. “I travelled to Brisbane and the Gold Coast in an effort to find good sparring and both Chris and Brendon certainly provided that.” Shaw said.

Azar believes that whoever forces their fight plan will win this one. “Mick has to cut the ring off and prevent Danny from trying to move around the outside of the ring. Danny’s a good mover and we have worked very hard on cutting off the ring and making sure Mick works once the opportunity presents itself”.

Danny Wilson is coming off a loss in a recent effort to snatch the Australian Lightweight Title from John Cotterill while Shaw’s last outing ended in a decisive 3rd round TKO win against Shane Green - not truly indicative of either fighters skills, since Shaw’s opponent was a warm up after a long absence, whilst Wilson’s was against the Australian Champion. This will be a step up for Shaw in his comeback bid.

Brian Kirwan, the Brisbane businessman behind Red Corner Promotions who is fast gaining a reputation for top quality, sellout events, had this to say;

“With this promotion, like last time, we set about matching very even fights from the beginning. I want people to walk away knowing that each boxer had their chances to win.

I expect all the fights to produce something memorable but for me the comeback of Mick Shaw against Danny Wilson is one fight I will make sure I take the time to watch as well as both the heavyweight fights. Mark de Mori gets his chance to impress against ALex Leapai who I believe will be his toughest opponent to date and the pro debut of former Bronco Michael Pechey against Baden Oui is one that will probably be heard out on the street!.."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MICK SHAW IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY MCNAB CONSTRUCTIONS, PROCAST, SOLVE CORPORATION & FIGHTING FIT TOOWOOMBA
MICK IS MANAGED BY DMS BOXING AUSTRALIA www.dmsboxing.com.au [home of world ranked fighters including IBF #1 middleweight Sam Soliman]

INTERVIEWS & INFORMATION : CONTACT GLENN AZAR 0438-364106
DMS Boxing/Fightbiz International : Stuart Duncan 0418 888 188 Annie Durrence 0418 848 848

RED CORNER PROMOTIONS
www.redcorner.com.au
FULL CARD FRI JULY 30 2004
BRONCOS LEAGUES CLUB
Fulcher Road Red Hill - Doors open 7pm
PH: (07) 3858 9000

Peter Rolph defends his QLD Middleweight title against Arama Tabuai
Brad Hemming against Fabrice Hona QLD Junior Welterweight Title
Danny Wilson defends against Mick Shaw for the QLD Lightweight Title
Mark "The Dominator" de Mori takes on heavyweight newcomer Alex Leapai
Michael Pechey on debut against Baden Oui
Kev O'Neill goes up against Chris McCullen

While on the sunshine state’s holiday strip, the Victorian fighter worked with seasoned trainer Rod Waterhouse. “Training up here is good for climate as I’ll be going from a Melbourne winter to a California summer” said ‘King’ Soliman. “Rod’s really great to work with. He’s passionate about what he does, he’s not just in the gym like he has to be there - he really wants to help. He’s shown me a few things that have worked when I’ve been boxing in the gym up here. After his fight, I’ll come back here”.

Soliman also said his fitness for this fight has “gone through the roof!” Mentor Dave Hedgecock has been putting him through daily fifteen round drills. “I thought I was fit before but the stuff Dave has me doing for this fight, I will be able to fight for twelve rounds non stop. I’m sparring, two, three sparing partners a day, my workrate in the last round is as good as it is in the first and I feel I can do more. Dave has me training like they did back when he was fighting”.

Good guy Sam is certain he will defeat Dutchman Joval who won a “hometown” decision over him in January 2001 in Amsterdam. In that bout, Joval’s IBO title was on the line. For the rematch the pot of gold for the winner is a mandatory shot at the winner of September’s Hopkins - De La Hoya super fight. “I told Joval after I fought him last time I would get a rematch with him on neutral ground. Here we are three and a half years later doing it. I know I beat him in his own town, he won’t beat me without his own judges”.

Shaw spent a total of 4 ½ years out of the boxing ring after losing his way in the boxing world following a points loss for the Australian Super Featherweight Title to Colin Graham in 1999. Shaw had also lost via controversial stoppage to WBA No.1 rated Super featherweight Kyu-Chul Choi after a head clash was ruled a knock down. “I just needed a break from boxing, I felt decisions were going against me and I didn’t want to be one of those fighters that complain about their losses so I just walked away.” Shaw said.

Shaw did not walk away from boxing totally, he commenced training fighters under his Morningside house including current QLD Welterweight Champion, and younger brother Matt Shaw. Seeing his brother win the QLD Title inspired Shaw to seriously consider a comeback to boxing, he felt there was unfinished business, “I want the Australian Title and whatever else comes after that is a bonus.” A confident and relaxed Shaw stated.

It all starts July 30 when Shaw will challenge two time QLD Lightweight Champion Danny Wilson with the intention of taking the QLD Title on his march through the Australian Boxing rankings. “There are a few talented Lightweights out there and I hope to fight them all.” Shaw said, “I don’t want to avoid anyone I just want to fight and prove what I can do.”

Wilson is a fast boxing southpaw and this in itself may present problems for Shaw on his comeback but with hard training, and the desire to succeed he believes he can overcome the ring rust of 4 ½ years. “We are excited to be involved with Brian Kirwan of Red Corner Promotions for this fight and if successful we are already negotiating a tougher opponent for Mick on the next Rec Corner Promotion.” Shaw’s trainer, Glenn Azar said, “We are looking to get someone the likes of Allan Luxford to come north to QLD. I hear no-one will fight him, well if Mick’s successful on July 30 he’ll happily fight him.”

Watch out for the return of Mick “Pony” Shaw. Still only 28years old, 4 ½ years out of the ring and he’s still managed to reel off 20 professional fights.

Win, Lose or Draw expect fireworks but Shaw had the last word when he stated “I’m not in it to lose.”

Tapley had promised to go to war in the third meeting of the two boxers but it was Shaw who won that war with his fast boxing and clever counterpunching. Shaw took control of the fight from the first round and never looked likely to let his cherished Queensland Welterweight Title go. The bout was as entertaining as always between these two with Shaw being too sharp and possessing too many skills for the very game challenger Tapley.

In his next fight Matt Shaw looks to head to Fiji to contest the OBA Welterweight Title against local hero Zulfiker Ali on August 14. This is another step up for Shaw and his team is very confident their fighter can rise to the occasion. “We know Ali is a tough fighter with a big punch, he has never been beaten in Fiji and so Matt must use all of his pure boxing skills to ensure he comes away with the title” stated Shaw’s trainer Glenn Azar. “Matt was a little flat on the night against Tapley and still managed to control the bout so with that knowledge I am very confident he will lift against Ali and bring the title home to Australia” Azar said.

Ali has a history with Australian fighters having previously fought former Australian and Commonwealth Welterweight Champion Julian Holland. Shaw spent some time with Holland after his win against Tapley and gained invaluable insight into the required tactics to defeat Ali. “ I am confident with my training team of Glenn Azar and Gilbert Hooper that I can make the necessary adjustments to beat Zulfiker Ali” stated a confident Shaw, “Right now I am just happy with finishing my trilogy against Paul Tapley with a 2-1 ledger” he stated.

Shaw will aim to move himself into the regional title mix with the fight against Zulfiker Ali being the first step on that path. His professional career has had many stops, starts and speed bumps along the way but he is now starting to redefine himself into a top Australian Welterweight and looks to progress even further in the coming months.

“I’m going to war on Friday. I have to against Shaw. I can’t stay on the outside and box around, I have to make it a war. I have to get the best of every exchange and make him uncomfortable. I plan on making him work all night and I’m going to be giving him plenty up the guts” said Paul who is again going by his old nickname "The Body Snatcher".

In the past two weeks, Tapley has benefited from sparring left handers Frank Demilo and Athens Olympian Ryan Langham. “They have been great and I really appreciate them helping me. Frankie is a lot lighter than me and faster and very tricky. Ryan is rangy and is really boxing good at the moment and he is very confident. I got over 20 rounds with the two of them and got my eye in.
I’ve felt the difference in doing the pads this week and my weight is on target. In the past I’ve had to struggle a bit making it”.

The Shaw-Tapley eight rounder is scheduled to be the first televised bout on the Jamie Myer Foxsport card. It will be followed-in running order-by a ten round international between Solomon Egberime & Filipino Dondon Sultan, the Nathan Briggs v Daniel Elliott Qld Heavyweight title, the Australian Super middle title between Juarne Dowling & Dale Westerman and the headliner, Shannan Taylor defending the IBF Pan Pac light middleweight belt against Argentine Walter Crucce. The first fight of the night is an off TV four rounder, due to start at 7pm featuring pro debutant Matt Burns and veteran Geoff Kanofski.

“I have travelled too many kilometres to come here to lose. My training is very good, I have come here to win and I feel a knockout is the only way.
This is not my country, and it (controversy) has happened to me before” said Crucce through interpreter, female lightweight, Kina Malpartida, a Peruvian based on the Gold Coast who will also assist in the corner.

Southpaw Crucce’s only bout outside Argentina as a professional came in
2000, a close loss on points to Michelle Piccilliro in Italy for the WBU Welterweight belt. Piccilliro went on to defeat current Unified World Welterweight champ Cory Spinks for the IBF title in 2002. “I have good power and I will be trying to catch him with it and let him feel it very early. He has beaten other Argentine fighters and they tell me he is a strong boy. I have seen video of him and I know what punches will work”.

Marcelo Crucce, who has 54 pro fighters in his stable said he was very confident in his son's chances. “Of all his fights, I give his preparation ten out of ten. The shape he is in now he is a much better fighter than other Argentine fighters to come here. With a world ranking on the line we have trained to make sure we go back victorious. A good light is going to shine on us”.

With 34 KO’s in a 45-7 record against high calibre opposition, Crucce’s power should not be underestimated. He has held WBA Fedalatin titles in two divisions and a five time amateur champion of his homeland claiming today a
147 wins before he made his debut in the punch for pay ranks in 1995.

Meanwhile 32 year old Taylor (38-3-2, 25 KO) and trainer Frankie John Gatt also flew into town today and predicted an impressive win which could see him move as high as number two in the world.

Shaw said he was confident, despite Tapley’s belief that the title was rightfully his own.

“Tapley gave me a shot at his title and I promised at the time that I would give him a rematch,” he said.

Shaw’s manager Stuart Duncan said he would move his boxer on to “bigger things” if Tapley was defeated.

“Matt is a good kid and I’d like to see him get the opportunity he deserves, I will get him the opportunity, but it’s up to him to make the most of it,” he said.

(Since the last fight in November last year, Tapley has gone on to win the Pan European Junior Middleweight Title, but is seeking a return to welterweight, hence the title challenge).

Shaw’s title defence against Tapley will be shown live on Fox Sports from 7pm on June 25.

New challenge

Shaw’s next fight, to be held in Toowoomba, will be a challenge for the WBF Asia/Pacific Welterweight Title against Thailand Welterweight Champion Watt Wor.Wuthinant 11-3-1 (eight KO’s).

Shaw's trainer Glenn Azar said the fight would be held after July, but the boxer’s management team had also been chasing the African-born Australian champion Soloman Egberime.

“We are yet to reach terms with Egberime. We don’t want Matt to wait around until Egberime is ready, so we’re chasing bigger things,” Azar said.

If Shaw is successful in his bid for the WBF Title, Egberime will be his mandatory defence so will be forced to fight Shaw in his own pursuit of the title.

Shaw is currently in full training, taking only three days off after his last bout.

“This next fight means everything to me. I know that my shot at the WBF Title rests on whether or not I get the job done with Tapley and I have every intention of proving I am the best welterweight in Queensland and one of the best in Australia,” he said.

"I plan to move the shows a round a bit - The first couple will be at ST.MARYS BAND CLUB. I also have had talks with Parramatta leagues,Burwood RSL, Cronulla workers and Maroubra Seals.As you can see I plan to branch out a little. I have the fighters and I have to keep them in work and there are other kids around who cant get fights in their local area so I plan to give it a go and we will see what happens." CLICK HERE FOR JUNE 19 CARD

Sam "King" Soliman's manager Stuart Duncan announced today that due to US committments & Soliman's pursuit of the IBF #1 position, Sam has relinquished his OPBF crown, paving the way for rising middleweight Sakio Bika to fight for the vacant title.
Answering questions in the Aussiebox Forum, Duncan had this to say:

"....Sam is fighting for the IBF # 1 spot on July 18 with the winner to face Jermain Taylor for the mandatory position. Sam is basically booked for the rest of the year in bouts that are positioning him for a world title shot... May 28 a 10 round (tune up bout) - July 18 for the # 1 and 90 days later again for the mandatory. Basically he won't be able to defend the OPBF title by the mandatory date ; so we vacate, opening the way for Sakio to contest for it.

We wish Sakio the best of luck with the OPBF and hope that he gets to defend it succesfully many times. "

By Craig Waller

Club Nova Newcastle was the venue to host the WBF International Heavyweight Title and the World Welterweight Title on Friday 7th May 2004.
Man Mountain Bob Mirovic weighted in at a massive 123.09kgs to face the Fijian Heavyweight champion Mosese Kavika 105.20kgs. Scheduled for 12 rounds Mirovic found his opponent unable to answer the bell for the start of round 2 after sustaining an injured left wrist. Bob thanked the Novocastrian crowd for their support on this Title and apologised for the early finish. "I really wanted have a few more rounds tonight and show you my Boxing skills before devastating Mosese in the middle rounds. BUT THAT'S BOXING"!

The main event saw local boy Chad Bennett 66.53kgs take on Argentinean Adrian Daneff 66.20kgs for the WBF World Welterweight Title.
Bennett clearly out pointed the Argentinean for a minimum 10 of 12 rounds according to the scoring judges.
Daneff was a well seasoned fighter with 52 bouts on his record before entering the ring with 30 wins, 18 by KO.
Daneff was well aware of being behind on the points come the final round and threw all he had left at Chad who's evasive ducking and weaving denied him of a landing blow. Judge's score: 120/108, 119/110, 118/112. All to Bennett.
Also in attendance for the promotion was Australian Boxing Icon Jack Rennie to supervise the WBF bouts along with Victorian Referee Chris Anderson as recorder.

By Tony Nobbs

West Samoan born banger Maselino Masoe flies out to Miami this morning for his vacant WBA middleweight title shot against Kenyan born Dane Evans Ashira on May 1. Masoe, 38 in June, is now under Australian trainer Noel Thornberry and has been staying in the Queensland town of Gatton since Easter. With a record of 25-2, 24 KO Masoe will enter the fight as an underdog but the three time Olympian -twice quarter finalist- from Auckland, New Zealand said last week that “this is my last chance!” Masoe has fought in the US on eight occasions-being based there in 1999-2000 and scored knockouts over winning fighters Sam Hill, Lionel Ortiz, David Lopez and Tim Shocks. He also suffered his two defeats -to Santiago Samaniego (injury) and Tito Mendoza (TKO3).

While his competition since has been very ordinary he has won seven straight and the humble father of four is pleased being the outsider. “It is all good. I am fighting to win for my people and my family. Winning a world title will give me more chances. I have seen tape of him (Ashira) and I know he will fight hard- this is for the WBA title. We will fight. I know what I can do and it does not bother me what anyone thinks or say. We will find out in the ring. I am very comfortable with Noel. He is a good, honest man and I’m happy to have come over here. This will help me in the fight. I’m not going to make a prediction. I will let other people do that”.

Thornberry predicted “an absolute war” on May 1. "At some stage Mase is going to catch this guy and it'll be interesting to see how he reacts. Ashira will have a fight on his hands".

NOTE : MASOE DEFEATED ASHIRA TO BECOME NEW ZEALAND'S FIRST WORLD CHAMP IN ALMOST A CENTURY!

In the main support the Qld State Heavyweight belt changed hands when Nathan Briggs knocked out fellow Coaster Phil Gregory at 1.53 in the opening heat.
Briggs has now scored three wins since returning in February after a three year lay off and looks to be a more confident and focused fighter with a strong chance of regaining his Australian title.

Guy’s gym mate Kina Malpartida outpointed the more experienced Holly Fernley over six entertaining rounds to win a majority decision, lightweights.
Malpartida, unbeaten in four bouts, 1 KO, overcame an early blitz from Sydney’s Fernley to be a clear winner. This was a step up for Kina who showed advanced boxing skill. Holly has twice been the distance with Gold Coast golden girl, former world featherweight champion Sharon Anyos.

Former WBF title challenger Frank Demilo scored a three round TKO over game but outgunned Shane Brock in a super bantamweight bout set for six. Brock was down in the first and twice in the third before referee stoped the action just before the bell ending the round. Southpaw Demilo was allowed to box better than in his controversial points loss to Matt Heyes Powell in February and was too strong and experienced for his Victorian opponent who gave it his best shot. Demilo is likely to next fight Heyes Powell for the Australian 122 lb title in June. He had hoped to face Matt on his card.
Brock, who could make super fly, stopped former Australian 115 lb champ Tony Pappa in September.

The Gold Coast’s Paul Tapley scored a three round cut eye stoppage of Fabrice Hona in a scheduled six, catchweights (Hona came in around two lb over welter). A right hand put Fabrice down in the first but the Brisbane boxer came back to possibly win the second and the third was fairly even when the stoppage came late in the round. Tapley is a nice boxer who previously held the Qld welterweight belt and appeared to be fighting with reserve. The oft beat Hona is a useful fighter who is usually let down due to poor fitness. He appeared to be in better nick than recent efforts and this was shaping up to be a quality contest.

Heavyweight prospect Mark Demori went to 3-0 by finishing pro debutant Chris Armstrong in 54 seconds.

Promoter Jamie Myer. Crowd 1000.

BY TONY NOBBS 8.4.04
In front of a packed hometown crowd at the Cathedral Centre in Toowoomba, Queensland on Thursday night Michael ‘Rocky’ Katsidis added the WBO Asia Pacific lightweight title to the two Australian crowns he had already captured by forcing Thailand’s Kongthawat Sorkiti to retire after nine torrid rounds.

Sydney Olympian Katsidis (10-0, 8 KO) showed a marked improvement from previous fights and never gave the plucky visitor any let up much to the delight of his parochial fans. While 32 year old Sorkitti’s best days are long gone, Katsidis obviously went in with a plan to box his rival and try some new moves he’d picked up since beating Fred Kinuthia to claim the national 140 lb belt in February, rather than slug it out which has become the norm in past outings.

Controlling the action, Katsidis wore down the former WBF featherweight titlist who showed grit under fire. The piercing uppercuts, left hooks and body attack were still there but so was a tighter defence, more angles and a solid jab. While he still caught some shots himself from the experienced Thai, Katsidis, 23 - on this effort at least - is a rising prospect headed for bigger things. There were no knockdowns but Sorkitti did slip on a few occasions, not much surprise considering the amount of water used in his corner.

Undercard action saw local Les Crowe win a 4x2 min round decision over nationally rated North Queensland middleweight Arama Tabuai . Both boxers are former state champions and Oz title challengers. Neither was fit but tried hard and made it enjoying for the crowd. Officially a catch weight bout, Crowe coming in at cruiser, Tabuai, a couple of lb over SM.

Promising West Australian heavyweight Mark De Mori (110.8 kg) dominated skilled Baden Oui (107.5 kg) over four rounds. Oui did a good job negating the big punching De Mori’s power by smothering in close. All cards read
40-36, an accurate assessment of a good paced bout for heavy’s. This was just what the doctor ordered for De Mori, now 2-0, 1 KO, who has been attracting notice in this state due to the fact he is part of the Les Wilson-Joe Bugner stable on the Gold Coast. De Mori, 22, is still a raw novice only contesting nine amateur bouts as a junior but he was too fit and strong for pro debutant Oui, 28, from North Qld, who won an international bout on the Australia v Ireland amateur card in Sydney last month and showed a fair bit of dash.

Demori’s gym mate Brad ‘Glamour boy’ Hemming outpointed former amateur veteran Craig Monegal from Toowoomba in a welterweight four. Hemming is a useful boxer but made hard work of it against an aggressive opponent in taking a split nod.

Local novice Jason Pierce stopped a tired Geoff Kanofski, a state champion back in the 80’s, in round three, super middleweights.

BY TONY NOBBS for EASTSIDE BOXING

Australia’s WBC # 2 Paul ’Hurricane’ Briggs (22-1, 17 KO) got off the deck
to guarantee himself a well deserved Lt. Heavyweight title fight by winning
a unanimous decision over Mexican WBC # 8 Jesus ‘Chuy’ Ruiz (18-4, 16 KO) at
the Penrith Panthers in Sydney yesterday (Sunday).

A capacity house and TV viewers on Main Event and Sky Channel PPV were
treated to one of the best fights seen in this country in many years. Ruiz’
aggression saw him get off a to a fabulous start before Briggs’ better
boxing skills, fitness and faster hands saw him take the points in the final
half with the twelveth round being one of fights best. The eight bout
promotion put together by Tony Carradonna Blaster Promotions and Glenn
Wheatley was certainly of the standard warranting Colonel Bob Sheridan’s
presence ringside commentating. Sheridan, who next week works his 741st
world title bout since 1968 when he calls the Mosley-Wright ‘War at 154’
praised the effort of both men throughout and later described Briggs as “a
world class calibre fighter with the punch and toughness to be world
champion”.

After being shaded in the opening stanza Briggs was on his way to taking a
10-9 in the second when the 6’2 Ruiz landed a long right hand which knocked
the fancied former world kick boxing champion down along the ropes in the
later stages of the round. The punch found the target inside Briggs’ left
glove as he was angling off into its path. Shaken but not seriously hurt
Briggs got up quickly and attacked back at Ruiz after referee Brian Mc Mahon
resumed the action. Back in the corner Paul benefited from a calm team
headed by Rod Waterhouse and steadily worked his way back into the fight but
it wasn’t until the seventh round that he had drawn even on eastside’s card.
Ruiz began to visibly slow in the fifth but he remained dangerous to the end
and Paul kept his P’s & Q’s about him, never totally committing himself to
loading up, wary of running in to another bolt.

Overall Briggs threw a better kit of punches and was far sharper and busier
than Jesus who telegraphed his shots more and more as each round passed and
Paul was able to get underneath and work away inside. Last April Briggs
dominated Jorge Castro in a bout that was expected to get him a shot and he
knocked out Glenn Kelly in September 2002 who seven months previous was
rated # 1 by the IBF and in the ring with Roy Jones. Briggs has paid his
dues and earned his crack the hard way. The official scores were Victor
Cervantes (Mex) 114-113, Bruce Mc Tavish (Phil) 116-112 and Brad Vocale
(Aust) 117-113. Eastside had it 116-111 or 9-3 in rounds.

Pre fight the Ruiz camp suggested Briggs was over looking their man and was
too concerned with fighting for the championship. Without doubt Jesus came
to win and entered the bout with a nothing to lose attitude. Though the
fight was fought in good spirit Briggs was hit south several times including
one moments before the knockdown. Paul was also warned for the same
infraction. At the weigh in on Saturday, Briggs stripped down naked after
taking a steam earlier in the day to scale 79.35 kg while Ruiz came it at 79
kg flat. In kilo’s the 175 lb class is 79.39. This was the first time either
contender had gone the twelve rounds.

After the decision was announced Briggs stunned everybody by suggesting he
had lost the fight. “Jesus is an unbelievable opponent. I am first and
foremost a warrior and a fighter. I believe if this fight was in the U.S he
would have got a hometown decision. I do not feel as though I won the fight.
He definitely deserves a rematch”.

Concerning the knockdown he said “I did exactly what my management told me
not to do, that is to go straight back and I got clocked. That’s what
happens when you don’t listen to your corner”.

At the post fight dinner at the Panthers the OPBF champion clarified what he
meant in the ring. “I definitely feel I won the fight but not in the manner
I had hoped. Jesus is a more than worthy opponent, he came well prepared for
this fight and he is a true warrior. It was an absolute pleasure to fight
him. He is also one of the nicest people I ever met in boxing. He is a
gentleman. At the weigh-in I saw him and I knew I was in for one hell of a
fight. When you meet guys like Jesus you know they don’t have to talk
because they know they can fight. I know a lot of people have questioned my
chin from my kick boxing days but today I took an awesome right hand from a
guy with sixteen knockouts in eighteen wins and I got straight back up and
into him.”

As for his future title shot, Briggs who is set to link with Golden Boy
Promotions believes the opponent will be Antonio Tarver. “I don’t think Roy
Jones will fight him again. I think he will hurt Tarver by not giving him a
shot. Then I will get Tarver for the vacant title. Our goal is to head to
the states and prepare. In Australia, I really only have Danny Green to spar
who is around my weight. When I fight for the title I will need to spar
plenty of tough willing fighters. These guys I’m fighting are training for
months in camp to fight me”.

U.S agent Sampson Lewkowicz told eastside “On what I saw here today I’d say
Paul Briggs can be world champion. We will need to base him in the U.S for
at least two-three months and find a good training camp for him. He needs
more sparring than is available here. With that type of good hard
preparation he can defeat Tarver, I believe”.

In the main support Shannan Taylor (37-3-2, 24 KO) retained his IBF Pan Pac
154 lb belt with near shutout decision over awkward Argentine Paulo
Sanchez(31-19-15 KO). The first few rounds were tidy and fairly even but by
round seven Sanchez had shut up shop and was more interested in going the
route than taking the title. Official scores 120-108, 119-108, 118-110.
Eastside had it 119-109 giving the visitor the second. “I boxed and got
twelve rounds under my belt. He was awkward the way he kept turning side on
. I give my self six (out of 1ten). He came to fight but not really win. I’m
thirty two (in May) and lot of people wrote me off but I keep winning.

Lovemore Ndou (37-6-1, 23 KO) kept his IBF Pan Pac 140 lb title by knocking
out southpaw Katchai 13 Coins (16-2, 11 KO) in round four. Two solid lefts
to the body put 13 coins down in the opening round and body shots set up the
finishing right uppercut in the fourth. The Thai fell face first and stayed
there for several seconds. Time 2.26. Ndou, who gave Sharmba Mitchell a
tough fight on Feb 7 said later “It feels good to be back in the ring.I knew
my friends were expecting much from me after my fight with Sharma Mitchell.
I didn’t want to waste my punches and I just took my time” before adding “I
know Kostya Tszyu is here. I wish him a speedy recovery. I apologise to him
for things I said that were upsetting. I didn’t mean no disrespect, I just
wanted to get a fight with you…. He is a true world champion, the best 140
pounder out here and I believe he will beat Sharmba on any given day and
then hopefully Lovemore Ndou- Kostya Tszyu will be a big fight in
Australia”.

Sam Soliman (24-7, 7 KO) looked impressive in over whelming Argentina’s
Jorge Sclarandi (28-20-1, 2 KO) to defend his IBF Pan Pac 160 lb strap.
Sclarandi never came out for round eight claiming a pinched nerve in his
neck. Sam’s dominance was so that eastside gave him every round with three
10-8’s. No knockdowns. Best known for stretching Anthony Mundine to a split
decision in 2001, Soliman last week signed with Goosen – Tutor, who also
resigned Lovemore Ndou recently. This writer cornered Soliman in his first
Australian title victory in 1997 and this was the strongest Sam has looked.
“ I want Bernard Hopkins but Oscar Dela Hoya has moved up to middleweight
and he would be a good scalp”.

Nedal ‘Skinny’ Hussein (32-1, 19 KO) wasted no time knocking out Indonesian
Donny Suratin (15-6, 6 KO) in a jnr. lightweight bout scheduled for eight. A
beautifully placed left rip finished the fight with the official time 61
seconds into the first. Hussein owns one of the best lefts downstairs you
could hope to see.

In a rough fight Tosca Petridis ((9-5-1, 5 KO)won the Australian
cruiserweight title for the second tome with a five round TKO (cut eye) over
Brett Smith (8-2-2, 3 KO).

Johnny Sheferaw (4-2, 3 KO) outpointed Argentine Diego Alzugary (13-7-4, 2
KO) in an entertaining lt.welter eight rounder. Official scores 78-75 x 2
and 78-74. Eastside had it 77-75.

To show the quality of the card, 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Paul
Miller (3-0-1, 3 KO) crushed the rosin as he stopped fellow lefty Peter Rudd
(4-6-2, 2 KO) at 2 minute 35 of round three. Set for six, super
middleweight. Miller, who is as classy out of the ring as in defeated Jerson
Ravelo at the Sydney Olympics and looks to be steadily adjusting to the pro
style under the guidance of former world rated light-jnr welter Justin
Rowsell.

By TONY NOBBS

IBF number ten Featherweight Fahprokorb Rakkiatgym retained the
organisations Pan Pacific Featherweight belt with a unanimous decision over
Australia’s Jackson Asiku on in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday afternoon (Feb
26).

The twelve rounder fought in sweltering conditions was described tonight
(Monday) by Asiku’s trainer Austin Taylor as “the best fight I’ve seen live
in my life”. The official cards were 116-112, 116-113 and 115-113 and Taylor
said he had no qualms with the outcome. “It was a fair decision”.

Going in the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and Ugandan Olympian was
given an excellent chance by his Australian fans. He f