03.12.05 – By Tony Nobbs: Australian heavyweight champion Colin “Kid” Wilson retained his title with an unusual stoppage of Nathan Briggs at the Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane, Queensland on Friday night. In an un climatic end to what promised to be a terrific match up by domestic standards that had long been talked about between two local rivals, Briggs took six counts but only once from a punch, after initially taking a knee in the third when he grimaced in pain after landing a straight right hand..
At the same time, Wilson caught him in the mid section, but it was clear that Nathan’s pain was coming from the hand and he needed a near miracle to last against the tough old stager. In all, Briggs was down twice in the third, once in the fourth and thrice in the fifth. The knock down late in the fourth stanza, was from a southpaw left to the head. Referee Derek Milham officially waved it off at 2.32 of round five.
Very disappointing for Briggs as apart from the counts he was boxing well and appeared to be fitter than Colin. Former champion Nathan, twin brother of Paul, reportedly “broke” the hand in the week leading up. A rematch is already being talked up. A good night of action, promoted by Angelo Di Carlo, with the standing room only audience creating plenty of atmosphere.
In undercard action, former amateur star Chris Mc Cullen was given a good test by Filipino Robert Oyon, taking a split decision in a spirited six round jnr welterweight affair.
Oyon took the fight on Tuesday and was accompanied from Sydney by trainer Dido Bohol. In his previous outing in Brisbane on November 11, Oyon also dropped a split verdict to local Matt Powell at jnr lightweight poundage. The promising Mc Cullen was very creative in his work as he was given little rest by the useful import.
Former state champion Peter Rolph won a six round split nod over improving battler William Hadlow at super middleweight. No science but a tough honest scrap.
Queensland super cruiserweight champion James Ellis knocked out big talking Tom Wangsomnuk, a Thai living in Brisbane, in round two of a heavyweight bout set for four.
After being dominated in the first round, David Sloviak thrashed out a four round majority decision over trier Micah Rivetti at jnr welter. Fought at a non stop pace.
Four amateur bouts began proceedings.