12.10.07 – By Tony Nobbs: South African Isaac “The Angel” Hlatswayo (27-1, 9 KO’s) retained his International Boxing Organization world welterweight title with a commanding unanimous decision over game local Robert Medley (18-1, 12 KO’s) at the Panthers Outdoor Pavilion in Penrith, West Sydney, NSW last night.
Going in a clear favorite, Hlatswayo, 30 gave an impressive overall performance dominating the action from the second round and controlling the pace throughout, scoring a heavy knockdown in the fifth round.
Medley, 26, boxed nicely to shade the opening round but in the second was hit with a right hand that gained his attention and Hlatswayo settled into his rhythm throwing the bigger volume and the harder punches. Midway through round five a left hook which followed a left rip to the liver, dropped the Australian. Medley did well to see out the stanza, and spent most of the remaining seven and a half rounds on the back move and covering up along the ropes.
Before the start of round eleven Hlatswayo’s trainer Nick Durandt told his charge not “to let him get lucky. Stick to the basics.”
Medley, a former Aussie 154 lb champ, currently rated number one by the ANBF at 147, did his best in the final thirty seconds of the contest but it way too little and way to late. Medley was cut by an unintentional head clash in round six. He did land some nice shots when working behind his left and showed heart in what was a huge step up in class. Hlatswayo, whose better wins have been at lightweight, is hoping to get a spot on the Mayweather – Hatton card. Against the elite level of opposition he would best be at 140 lb or below.
Referee Pat Russell (USA). Scores : Robert Byrd (USA 119-108, Jack Reiss (USA) 118-109), Cherdchai Srirat 118-109. Eastside 118-109.
International Boxing Organization Supervisor: Phil Austin (Australia).
Middleweight Daniel Geale (17-0, 12 KO’s) scored a second round knockout, courtesy of a beautifully placed left hook, over New Zealand’s Lee Oti (9-7, 5 KO’s). 2002 C/Wealth Games gold medalist Geale scored a 12-round UD over Oti in February but had to get off the deck to do so. A lot easier this time. Oti a sub for the injured Daniel Dawson. Geale served notice and the re-scheduled Dawson clash for December 14 has become the most anticipated of the domestic match ups on the horizon, along with next weeks Lenny Zappavina – Ryan Langham Australian lightweight title fight and the rematch between Shannan Taylor and Sonni Michael Angelo which headlines the Dawson – Geale showdown.
Unsung Victorian Frank La Porto (6-2-1, 3 KO’s) took just 1 minute and 14 seconds to become the new Australian junior middleweight champion as he shocked former champion Gary Comer (18-8-1, 7 KO’s). Left hooks and right hands hurt southpaw Comer who took several unanswered shots against the ropes before ref Ian Fear correctly intervened. A great win for La Porto, who is managed by ex International Boxing Federation 130 lb champ Barry Michael. Comer was cornered by triple crown champ Jeff Fenech. Going in, La Porto number six, Comer number four in ANBF listings.
In a good little lightweight eight rounder, South Africa’s World Boxing Council number 15 Mlungisi Dlamini(16-0-1, 10 KO’s) unanimously outpointed hard trying Sydney based Filipino Robert Oyan (18-30-4, 6 KO’s).
Pat Kennedy (15-3, 7 KO’s / Aust #7) looked a bit fortunate to keep his NSW State heavyweight belt after eight tiresome rounds against sub Brett Smith (12-5-2, 6 KO’s). Kennedy did the better work early but was drawn into a scrappy close range battle by the plucky southpaw Smith who is best at cruiserweight where he’s rated # 2 nationally. A majority verdict. Kennedy deducted a point for a low blow in the fourth.
Promoter: Grange Old School Boxing.
Match Maker: Angelo Hyder.
Foxsport commentators: Andy Raymond and Paul Briggs.