"The Doctor" Replaces Kariuki Feb. 7

By Tony Nobbs

31.01 - Tough as teak former PABA Super Middleweight Champion Paul "The Doctor" Smallman (23-18-1, 14 KO) has agreed to face Sydney's Simon Patterson (8-3, 3 KO) for the Vacant IBF Pan Pacific Cruiserweight Title at the Southport RSL on the Gold Coast next Friday night, Febuary 7. Smallman, 28,who lives on the Gold Coast, replaces Adelaide based Kenyan Olympian Peter Kariuki after the African had to withdraw due to visa problems.

Patterson, 29, was impressive in winning the Australian Cruiserweight Title by unanimous decision over Jamie Wallace on December 6 at the same venue. Smallman was rated #7 by the WBA at 168 lb after winning the PABA Title by outpointing the promoter of this fight, Jamie Myer on the Joe Bugner-Bonecrusher Smith undercard in July 1998 at Carrara Stadim on the G.C. .He is best remembered for his thrilling ten round war with John Mubabi, also at the Southport RSL in January '98, losing a decision but knocking down the ex WBC Super Welterweight boss in the second round.

"It is disappointing that Kariuki cannot fight but Paul is willing and has been in good form. He has been training and says he's keen for a big year and knows the winner will get a rating in the top fifteen of the IBF. Simon looked good against Jamie Wallace and Paul is a big puncher who can take a punch" said Myer.

In Smallman's last bout he won a ten round decision over the once promising Justin Clements on November 29 and he defeated Australian Lt Heavyweight Title holder Jason Delisle on points over eight rounds in September. Patterson-Smallman head a six fight card shown live on Foxsports.

Australian Heavyweight Champion Bob Mirovic defends against Gold Coast veteran Phil "The Governor" Gregory, IBF #15 Bantamweight Nathan Sting fights Fijian puncher Binnu Singh, Australia's # 4 Super Middleweight Juarne Dowling takes on jeff Tupu, Queensland Welterweight Champion Paul Tapley meets Fiji's Wahid Khan and Simon Noble and Joe Salqvist square off in the show opener.