By Tony Nobbs: Once again, Sonni Michael Angelo (14-5-2, 5 KO’s) had settle for a technical draw after his opponent suffered fight ending cuts from head clashes in WBF title fights. Last September it was former WBC,IBF and IBO title challenger Shannan Taylor, this time, on Friday night, it was ex WBA and WBC challenger Yoshinori Nishizawa. Last time it was the 160 lb belt up for grabs, this time the 175 lb..
Time of the stoppage 1.04 of the third round. Angelo had forced the action through the fight but the veteran former OPBF title holder did not seem too fazed, and looked as if he was just planning on weathering the early storm before setting up a mid round comeback. In round two a bad gash appeared on Yoshi’s left side and referee Chris Anderson took him to the ringside doctor John O’Neill who allowed him to continue. In round three it reopened and this time the doc stopped what was up to that point a very untidy bout.
Angelo, who won the WBF middleweight Asia Pacific strap in 2005 has developed quite a reputation in local boxing with his bizarre ring entrances and wild behavior. The novelty, however, appears to have worn well and truly off. He didn’t want to listen to current trainer, Arnel Barrotillo, who fought for the IBF 122 lb title a couple of times. Arnel would have forgot more than club fighter level SMA would know. Having trained 22 year old Sonni (ANBF number four super middleweight) for five fights, I know what Arnel was going through. Promoters need to just not put him on. That way he would either go away or wisen up and act his age as he has become an embarrassment not just to the sport but himself and the people who look after him. The sad thing is, he can be a likeable kid at times.
Ringside commentator Jeff Fenech was quite critical of Sonni’s antics and rightfully so. Fenech also reckoned that at age 41, Nishizawa should not be allowed to fight for safety reasons. But Jeff last month came out and admitted to putting his world rated fighters in against over matched opponents in order to pad records so what is he trying to say?
WBF President Mick Croucher confirmed Saturday morning that the 175 lb title was heading to the Norhern Hemisphere. “We try to help fighters here as this is my country and things like this happens, it blows up in your face. We are getting stronger in Europe, Africa and the US, so we don’t need things like this” said Croucher who was number one contender for the Australian 154 lb championship in the late 60’s – early 70’s. “Ronald Johnson of Las Vegas was hoping to face the winner of this fight but we will now chase a suitable opponent for him to fight over there. We don’t try to be the WBC, WBA, IBF they are more experienced and larger organizations but we have given quite a few Australian fighters a chance at a good pay day, more than they recieve for fights here”.
Former IBF 130 lb champ Gairy St Clair (IBF # 6) boxed beautifully as usual out classing hard trying Filipino Robert Oyan (ANBF # 5) over six wonderful to watch rounds at lightweight poundage. St Clair, Guyana born, is trained by legend Johnny Lewis, Oyan from the popular and very busy Bohl Stable in Sydney.
Former Australian light weight champ John Cotterill Junior (ANBF # 3) scored a three round knockout over Oyan’s Bohol Stable team mate Ruben Santillanosa at junior welter. Body shots. A beautifully placed left rip took the sails right out of Ruben.
Local for WBF welterweight title holder Chad “Hollywood” Bennett was lucky to get away with a four round technical points win over Thai Payakchai Sithparadorn at junior middleweight. Chad was cut over the corner of his left eye with the doctor stopping the fight, so they went to the cards. A unanimous decision for Chad who scored a knock down in round two. TV replays however, showed the cut was caused by a right southpaw lead.
Venue: Central Coast Leagues Club, Wyong, NSW.
Promoter Angelo Hyder.
Fox Commentators: Andy Raymond and Jeff Fenech.