By Tony Nobbs: In a battle between two Hall of Famers, Australia’s pride Jeff Fenech edged Ghanan icon Azumah Nelson over ten rounds at the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne, Victoria on Tuesday night. The bout was held at junior middle, with Nelson, carrying a little pauch, one pound heavier at 153. During the first few rounds both looked rusty but the action gradually heated and the bout turned out be a fairly entertaining and evenly fought match.. Fenech, with Johnny Lewis back in his corner was the busier through out and there were times that they resembled the two warriors going at it in their first bout, under the Las Vegas sun in 1991.
There was also the feeling that the fight could turn it to a repeat of their rematch at Princess Park, Melbourne the following year. Nelson looked the more dangerous, he had the greater kit but was un willing to fully commit, perhaps not believing in his own stamina. The final two rounds, Fenech, handicapped by a busted rib, back pedaled which brought boos from the crowd. Nelson tried for the knockout and hurt Jeff in the last round but it was a bit to little to late. Scores 96-94, 94 -94, 95-95. Majority verdict. Eastside had it 96-94 Fenech.
In the main support, brilliant Aboriginal prospect Willie Kickett scored a major victory by unanimously out scoring ex IBF world champ Gairy St Clair over ten rounds at super featherweight poundage. A bout of high quality every second of the way. St Clair was more aggressive than usual and he dominated the middle stanzas before Kickett stormed home over the final rounds. Round nine was a particularly big round for the West Australian whiz, who has been compared to the great former world bantamweight champion Lionel Rose. Kickett also received a cut, ruled a head clash, early and this bout will make him a much better fighter and should do wonders for his confidence. Eastside had it 95-95.
World class flyweight Angky Angota struggled to a 12 round decision over novice pro Omeri Kimweri to win the IBF Pan Pacific strap. Indonesian Time Bomb Angota was expected to
detonate a right hand on Kimweri early and he came very close on quite a few occasions but credit to Tanazanian Tiger Omeri who came in well prepared and out boxed his more experienced foe in several rounds. Angota, ( IBO computerized ratings # 10 in the world) revealed after that he entered the contest with a damaged hand and that he had dropped eight pounds the day of the weigh – in, arriving in Australia only four days prior to the contest. He was cornered by Jeff “Flash” Malcolm, Keith Ellis junior and Tony Miller. South Australian based Kimweri, only three pro fights and 54 amateur going in had trainer Rod Davis and Commonwealth 126 pound champ Jackson Asiku behind him.
Queensland’s ANBF # 11 Mick Shaw was too experienced for home town former Aussie welter champ Shannan Mc Mahon, ANBF # 6, taking a decision after eight rounds. Shaw has previously held the National light welter title.
Robbie Sanders, from the Barossa Valley, South Australia out pointed game Victorian Benny Costellow over four rounds at light welter.
ANBF # 3 Sam Columban easily out pointed Ghana’s # 3 Kofi Manu over six rounds at welterweight.
1998 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, Justin Whitehead from Bendigo, Victoriastopped Queensland’s Justin Bayley in three rounds in the card opener, heavyweights.
Main Event PPV commentators: Andy Raymond & Adam Watt