04.03.06 – By Tony Nobbs: Australia’s Michael “Rocky” Katsidis racked up his twentieth win and eighteenth knockout by stopping game Filipino Nonoy Gonzales in five rounds at the Gold Coasts five star Royal Pines Resort on Friday night. Topping a quality seven fight Jamie Myer bill, Katsidis,25, had things pretty much his own way through out and it is a credit to the 29 year old Gonzales’ toughness that the fight lasted as long as it did..
Gonzales (now 21-14, 10 KO’s) did a good job of soaking up punishment, playing a little “possum” and firing out the odd flurry to keep the Queenslander honest before Katsidis’ steady attack forced referee Brad Vocale to intervene at the 2:01 mark with the current WBO number four lightweight taking target practice to the head and body of a stationary Gonzales who was backed up against the ropes (where he had spent most of the bout). At the end Nonoy had blood coming from his mouth and there were no signs of disapproval from the visiting camp.
Originally set for 137 pounds the fight ended up being at welterweight after it became evident Thursday afternoon that the import was not going to make weight. Katsidis came in at 144 ½ about 40 minutes after Gonzales scaled 141. After the bout Katsidis indicated that his visa problems had been solved and he would be heading to the USA to campaign. It is now time Michael steps up to the next level of opponent he needs prior to any shot at a genuine world title.
In the main support local Les Sherrington found the southpaw stance of Jamie Pittman too much, losing his Australian super middleweight title by a fourth round knockout. An excellent performance by the classy 2000 Olympian who took his record to 7-0. From the get go it was obvious it wasn’t going to last long – either way – with both letting their hands fly. Pittman was cut in round two and Sherrington dropped by a combination in the third. In the fourth, a precise left caught Les flush and he went down solidly with ref Cyril Cairns waving it immediately at 1:12 of the round. Pittman, 24, from NSW, mixed his attack with in and out textbook boxing and crisp power punching. Sherrington (now 10-4, 5 KO’s) was dejected with the loss and blamed a lack of southpaw sparring for the defeat. Les has improved over the past year and at 23 is still young enough to regroup. Jamie’s nickname is “Mr Business” and he was exactly that this night. In the days of regional belts was refreshing to see a young fighter so passionate about winning an Australian title.
Former Aussie jnr middleweight boss Gavin “Heading to the” Top scored an eight round unanimous verdict over awkward Thai Denchapol Swanalert at super midleweight. Former Commonwealth title challenger Gavin was too busy for Swanalert who showed nouse and also contributed to an entertaining bout. The import complained of injured hands after the bout and both were
swelling.
Former NBL star, the 6 foot 8 John Szigeti recorded win number two when he outpointed Ben Crowe in a four round heavyweight attraction.
A scheduled six rounder between ex Aussie jnr welter champ Matt Paulley and Filpino Arnel Porras ended in a disappointing technical draw after a clash of heads in round three caused a severe cut to Paulley. Porras entered the bout full of confidence and was giving a strong account of himself winning both the completed rounds. This’s the third tech draw southpaw Paulley has been involved in his last six outings.
The straighter and more accurate punching of Steve Tiernan earned him a decision over newcomer Robbie Quatro in a catchweight bout over 3 x 2 minute rounds. Tiernan weighed 172.5 lb, Quartro 178.5 lb.
In the show opener, set for four at jnr light, Nara Dau, in his second professional fight after a reported 18-4 amateur log, looked the goods knocking out Coast based Japanese Tomo Yoshikewa in one round. Dau, originally from Cairns, turned 18 in November and in his punch for pay debut fought an eight rounder, losing on points to another pro starter Fred Mundraby for the Queensland state featherweight belt.
Crowd: 2000. In attendance, Robbie Peden, Joe Bugner, Dan Rowsell, Juarne Dowling, Zane Aiken and Russell Johnson to name but a few.