25.05.04 – By Tony Nobbs – Locally trained Jamie ‘Tough’ Guy scored a sensational first round knockout of the durable Kevin Murray to capture the vacant Australian Lt Heavyweight title at the Southport RSL on the Gold Coast, Queensland on Friday night. After an explosive start by both, Guy got off with a sweet left hook that dropped the Victorian about a minute in to the round. Murray tried to fight back but was being over powered when a beautiful left rip put Murray on his knees. Beating the count, Murray was saved by his father and trainer Mick who threw the towel in upon the referee Phil Austin calling box on. Time 1.41.
Guy could not have been more impressive. He is an improving fighter with a huge punch and even bigger heart. Last in action in December losing on a cut eye in round four against IBF rated Jason Delisle in what was a competeitive battle – this win proved 23 year old Jamie can take the next leap. Originally from Ipswich, Qld Guy is now trained by Tony Sims at
Currumbin on the Gold Coast.
In the main support the Qld State Heavyweight belt changed hands when Nathan Briggs knocked out fellow Coaster Phil Gregory at 1.53 in the opening heat. Briggs has now scored three wins since returning in February after a three year lay off and looks to be a more confident and focused fighter with a strong chance of regaining his Australian title.
Guy’s gym mate Kina Malpartida outpointed the more experienced Holly Fernley over six entertaining rounds to win a majority decision, lightweights. Malpartida, unbeaten in four bouts, 1 KO, overcame an early blitz from Sydney’s Fernley to be a clear winner. This was a step up for Kina who showed advanced boxing skill. Holly has twice been the distance with Gold Coast golden girl, former world featherweight champion Sharon Anyos.
Former WBF title challenger Frank Demilo scored a three round TKO over game but outgunned Shane Brock in a super bantamweight bout set for six. Brock was down in the first and twice in the third before referee stoped the action just before the bell ending the round. Southpaw Demilo was allowed to box better than in his controversial points loss to Matt Heyes Powell in February and was too strong and experienced for his Victorian opponent who gave it his best shot. Demilo is likely to next fight Heyes Powell for the Australian 122 lb title in June. He had hoped to face Matt on his card. Brock, who could make super fly, stopped former Australian 115 lb champ Tony Pappa in September.
The Gold Coast’s Paul Tapley scored a three round cut eye stoppage of Fabrice Hona in a scheduled six, catchweights (Hona came in around two lb over welter). A right hand put Fabrice down in the first but the Brisbane journeyman came back to possibly win the second and the third was fairly even when the stoppage came late in the round. Tapley is a nice boxer who previously held the Qld welterweight belt and appeared to be fighting with reserve. The oft beat Hona is a useful fighter who is usually let down due to poor fitness. He appeared to be in better nick than recent efforts
and this was shaping up to be a quality contest.
Heavyweight prospect Mark Demori went to 3-0 by finishing pro debutant Chris Armstrong in 54 seconds.
Promoter Jamie Myer. Crowd 1000.