15.02.04 – By Tony Nobbs: The Gold Coasts Juarne Dowling is the new Australian Super Middleweight champion after a hard fought battle with Gosfords Marc Bargero on Friday nights Jamie Myer promotion at the Southport RSL on the Gold Coast. The 23 year old Dowling got off to a good start and never allowed Bargero to utilise his vast experience and spoiling tactics which he is renowned for. Bargero, Australia’s most prolific National title holder, did his best work in the middle rounds, landing some clean shots to the head, but in round seven a steady body assault got Dowling back in control. Bargero ended the fight with a swollen right cheek.Though the official verdict was split (97/95, 96/95, 95/96) Dowling was a deserved and clear winner. The Tony Sims-Vince Perry trained Dowling’s record now stands at 11-2, 5 inside distance, with both losses being debatable decisions.
The main support bout to Dowling-Bargero saw the Gold Coast’s former Australian Heavyweight champion Nathan Briggs win his first boxing match in almost three years by outpointing Gympie’s Mark Alexander in an entertaining six rounder.In a super bantamweight bout, Tweed Heads based Swede Frank Demilo suffered a shock points defeat to Gold Coaster Matt Powell over eight foul filled rounds. Though Demilo was the more flashier boxer and appeared to land the cleaner punches the three judges were impressed by Powell’s rushing and wild punching. The classy Demilo, though upset with the decision and several incidents during the bout, is still keen to continue his career. Demilo is trained by this writer and from where I was sitting Frank won every stanza!
Powell was deducted a point for an intentional head butt after the bell ending round two and Demilo lost a point for a low blow in the fifth.
In other action Paul Tapley won an eight round decision over Brian Fogarty (jnr middle) Brad Hemming outscored Wayne Maynard over four (welter) and Tweed Heads trained Fabrice Hona defeated Joe Salqhist ,also over four rounds at welterweight.