10.15.04 – By Eddy Manning: Anthony Mundine booked himself a world title rematch last night after convincingly defeating Juarne Dowling in 3 rounds. On a warm Gold Coast night the crowd was treated to some precise punching and a slick boxing demonstration as Mundine landed a vast array of punches over the 3 round fight.
‘’I came to fight tonight, that was the only thing on my mind’’ The Man explained after the fight. And fight is exactly what Mundine did. Right from the opening bell Dowling came at Mundine, applying the pressure and forcing Mundine onto his toes early.
Using the ropes, Mundine began to land his speedy jabs and as he spotted an opening threw uppercuts with intention. Mundine was left himself open for over hand right punches from Dowling, as has been a problem in his recent fights.
After a mostly dominant opening two rounds, Mundine came out in the 3rd and continued to stick to the plan. With his shots now sounding harder and his confidence beaming, Mundine landed a solid right shot on the chin to put Dowling down with a ‘thud!’ Already on the ring post celebrating with Mundine corner flooding into the ring, Dowling pulled himself up at the count of eight to Mundine’s disbelief. ‘I thought he wasn’t going to get up, he’s a warrior’ Said Mundine, when asked of his opponent’s courage.
Unfortunately, Dowling’s courage was no help in the end as referee Phil Austin waved the bout off at 2.19 of Round 3. The Man will now face off against the WBA Champion in either Manny Siacca or Mads Larsen, who do battle next month. He wants the fight in February 2005.
“Tonight was my last hit-out before the world title bout,” Mundine said. “I was hoping for a lot of work but I caught Juarne earlier than expected.”
When asked what his thoughts on the fight where, Dowling- the Australian supper middleweight champion said
“I was just stoked to be in the ring with someone like him,” “I gained so much from the experience.”.
So now, all but 100% prepared, Anthony Mundine awaits world title shot number three, perhaps the most important yet in terms of a continuing career at the elite level of boxing. An always confident Mundine will be hoping for the man who took his title, Manny Siacca to come out victorious.
‘’I would prefer to fight Siacca, because I know him and our fight was obviously very close,” Mundine said. “I’m going to Copenhagen to watch it – and hopefully Siacca wins.”
Eddy Manning