CLASSY VIZANIARI DECISIONS DUTT!

By Tony Nobbs

29.05 - Thirteen years after capturing Gold in the Women's Discus as an 18 year old at the Auckland Commonwealth Games, Australian Heavyweight Lisa Marie Vizaniari returned to the New Zealand city on Thursday night, out pointing local favorite Ali Dutt over eight rounds.

In her first bout since February last year, Vizaniari, 32, showed genuine improvement in a classy display of boxing to dominate each round against her big punching and much heavier rival in front of an appreciative crowd at the Auckland Boxing Association Stadium.

Sharp left leads and straight right hands, to both the head and body were the order of the night and Dutt, 31 year old daughter of a local Samoan Church Minister showed plenty of character to last the distance as she was beginning to feel the pace after the second round. Often, Dutt, 295 lb, would charge forward and let go with menace only to be countered by the more athletic and faster Aussie who bulked herself back up to 218 lb for this fight. During her days as a thrower, Vizaniari regularly competed at 260 plus.

Gold Coast, Quensland based Vizaniari turned to boxing following a finals birth at the Sydney Olympics and now has a record of 3-0 with 2 KO's.

"I'd like to thank Ali for giving me this fight. She was a tough girl, a very hard head on her. This is what I need after so much time without a fight. I'd love to come back to New Zealand again and thanks to the promoter (Dinesh Shandil)" said the best Female Heavyweight in this region.

"I now hope I can get some serious fights overseas. I am improving and working very hard in the gym, learning all the time with my trainer Mark Batty. I'm a little disappointed with myself for not stopping Ali but it is great to get the rounds. I'm not even blowing, I did it easy, despite carrying about ten extra pounds. When I heard Ali was so big, I put on the extra weight in case I needed it inside. She was trying to grab me a lot but I was able to spin away and use my speed. I feel it is time I get over to the U.S and start fighting some known fighters. I am dropping weight easy and I'd love to get in the ring with Vonda Ward, Keisha Snow or any of those other top women fighters. Come on girls, let's do it. I'm no mouth, I'm a professional athlete and serious. Just give me date".

Any promoters wishing to use the services of Lisa Marie can contact Jamie Myer by email: myer@austarnet.com.au