Boxing

 

Hussein Scrapes Past Asiku!

By Tony Nobbs

28.10 - Australian fans were treated to a fantastic local battle between two World Class prospects on Friday night as WBC # 4 and IBF # 6 Super Bantamweight Nedal "Skinny" Hussein (27-1,14 KO) survived a few anxious moments on his way to winning a unanimous decision over Ugandan born "Action" Jackson Asiku (8-1,4KO) at Sydney's Star City Casino. Asiku's WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight Belt was not on the line. Hussein scaled 125 1/2 lb, Asiku 125 3/4. The ten rounder was fought at a hectic pace throughout with both boxers having their chances of ending it early. Husseins came in the first round.

After slightly getting the better of the opening two minutes, Asiku was wobbled by a hard right. Asiku survived and looked to fight on after the bell, being separated by referee Charlie Lucas.The next five rounds were evenly fought, Asiku the busier, Hussein the more heavy handed boxing on the move and it looked as if one punch either way could finish it. That moment almost came in the seventh when the two traded right hands in centre ring. Asiku's got home first and sent Hussein into the ropes. 23 year old Asiku's inexperience/cockiness showed as he did a shuffle instead of following up immediately. A clearly shaken Hussein stayed on the ropes with one hand resting on the top strand. When Asiku did get back to business, several big shots again hurt Hussein who did not hold on, instead covering up and trying to fire back.

Asiku again landed solidly in he eighth and Hussein did extremely well to survive the onslaught. He landed a short left hook of his own late and both boxers tangled and fell to the floor. Hussein, a former WBF Champion at this weight rallied to split the final two rounds and some telling body shots slowed Asiku down briefly in the ninth. Going into the tenth Hussein had recovered enough to look capable of pulling out a stoppage victory himself. The judges scorecards of 97-94 (twice) and 98-93 for the Sydney based Team Fenech fighter did not sit well with the crowd but Adelaide based Asiku and trainer Austin Taylor said in the ring after the decision that Hussein had deserved a close decision before asking for a rematch, which would be a certain sell out for any promoter in the country. Hussein,24, is looking for a rematch with IBF 122 lb Champ Manny Pacquiao who he lost to controversially in October 2000 at Antipolo,PI.

This writer had Asiku up by 96-94, but will not argue with anyone who had Hussein ahead by two points as some rounds were very close and Jackson paid the penalty for letting Nedal of the hook. Asiku, who won the Australian Featherweight Crown by Technical Decision over two time IBF Super Bantam Challenger Arnel Barratillo, was a vastly improved performer from his most recent outing when he outpointed Kazakhstan Champion Serikzahan to win the WBO regional Title on the Briggs-Kelly card in Sydney, Sept 18.

In the main support, improving Nader Hamden, rated #3 by the WBC at Super Welter boxed his way to an eight round unanimous decision over Indonesian tough guy Harmen Adjato, a former PABA Champion. Hamden is chasing an eliminater with WBC #1 Fitz Vanderpool WBO #1 Flyweight Husein Husein scored a four round TKO over Panca Siliban, Indonesia.

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