Paul Briggs KO´s Glenn Kelly in 4

By Tony Nobbs

20.09 - With one devastating right hand, Paul "Hurricane" Briggs proved beyond doubt that he is Australia's best Light Heavyweight in his long awaited but somewhat anti climatic fight with former World Title challenger Glenn "Kunga" Kelly at the Horden Pavilion in Sydney on Wednesday night. The end came at 18 seconds into round four as Kelly's trainer Dino Billinghurst walked in to the ring to save his fallen boxer. Making the third defence of his OPBF Title, Briggs, from the Gold Coast in Queensland, also served notice to the rest of the 175 pound division by rating his performance "6 out of 10".

From the opening few "exchanges" it was obvious the scheduled 12 rounder would last only as long as a passive Kelly could survive the pressure being put on. Briggs (17-1, 14 ko) won the first round and took control in round two as he forced Kelly (28-2-1, 16 ko) to hold after a few onslaughts. On two occasions Kelly grabbed Briggs around the leg after ducking a few missiles. Briggs scored what should have been ruled two knockdowns. The first, a two punch combo knocked Glenn through the ropes, and Paul threw another shot as his opponents back hit the officials the ring apron. The second was a right hand after which Kelly's right glove hit the floor. Referee Brian McMahon ruled the first was caused by a push and the second a slip. In the end it didn't matter. After he fell through the ropes Kelly, rated #1 by the IBF at year's start looked genuinely bothered by Briggs' power.

Kelly came out for round three aggressive as he tried to turn the pattern of the fight and catch the 27 year old Hurricane by surprise. He landed a right uppercut and long right hand partially blocked and took the round slightly. Near he end of the third, Briggs turned southpaw.

At the start of round four Kelly backed to the ropes and stood still. A big mistake and the final shot connected, knocking the 31 year old from La Perouse in Sydney down. He attempted to rise but his legs betrayed him. As Mc Mahon waved it away Briggs jumped to the middle strand in a neutral corner pumping both fists and signalling he was number one.

As impressive as Briggs was in winning he was even more so when he took the microphone." This is a testament to Australia boxing when two World rated boxers fight each other. Glenn could've retired after losing to Roy Jones but he came back like a warrior and gave me a shot, even after I bagged him for so long. I thank him".

The defeated Kelly was equally as gracious, wishing Briggs the best in future fights saying he has what it takes to win the World Title. He announced his retirement later in the evening. In the dressing room pre fight the Champion was given confirmation that Jones was moving up to Heavyweight to fight John Ruiz for the WBA Belt in December. By beating WBC #11Kelly in such spectacular fashion, Briggs can expect to move in to the top 8 WBC, as he entered ranked #13 by the Mexican based organization.

He looks likely to meet Sase Mitreski, the WBC International Champion for promoter Joe Cursio in Melbourne on November 15. Trainer Rod Waterhouse said "It was a very impressive performance from Paul and hopefully this will build on the following he already has in Australia so we don't have to go overseas to fight the rated guys. We are ready to fight any of he top American contenders, Derek Harman, Antonio Tarver but we'd like to do it at home. We could take big fights in the States but it means handing over your carers to U.S promoters and we want to avoid that. If he can become a big drawcard in this country we can help bring World Title fights back to Australia".

A crowd of around 2500 attended what was the best promotion in Sydney for a few years and it was also sold on the Main Event PPV station. Former IBF 130 pound Champ Barry Michael, who commentated the card said "That right hand from Briggs would've knocked out a bull. That guy can punch and he has the talent to go all the way. That was a great performance and will really give him a big profile on the world scene".

Michael was paired in calling the fight with ANBF president Brad Vocale who anchored the commentary team. At Tuesday nights weigh-in at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney central, both boxers made weight on their second attempt after being fractionally over first up. Briggs officially came in at 79.30 kg, Kelly at 79.35 kg. The Light Heavy limit is 79.38 kg or as we all know, 175 lb in English. OPBF supervisor was Mr Frank Quill. Promoter, Mario Maiolo.