By Srithar Visuasam: Former OPBF middleweight champion Pradeep Singh (15-1-1, 8 KOs) has returned to professional boxing in Victoria with a six round unanimous points decision victory over Thai Dechapon Suwannalert (3-16, 2 KOs) at Malvern Town Hall, Victoria on Friday night.
Now fighting at super middleweight and having returned from a stint in New South Wales, Pradeep was too sharp for the game Thai who kept coming forward throughout the fight, with Singh’s overhand rights landing with greater regularity as the bout progressed. All the judges scored the bout 60-54. Singh appears set to appear on Australia’s version of ‘The Contender’ series which commences filming next month.
In the main supporting bout, George ‘The Iron Lion’ Longinidis (13-0, 8 KOs) scored a five round points decision victory over Thai Ramba ‘M16’ Sithsiamboh (52-19-8, 22 KOs) to claim the WAKO kickboxing world title. Longidis had the greater workrate over the five rounds, landing several punch combinations throughout the bout and effectively working Sithsiamboh’s body with the legs. Longinidis was ecstatic after claiming the title, which is the same title his older brother Stan ‘The Man’ Longinidis claimed over 15 years ago.
Kerey Palmer (8-2, 6 KOs) scored a stunning 29 second first round knockout win over Scotland’s Martin Gillick (0-2). Both fighters went for the kill from the opening bell, but shortly after, Palmer landed a flurry of shots on Gillick which saw the referee wave a halt to the contest, perhaps a little prematurely.
Manny Vlamis (5-1, 2 KOs) proved too strong for Thai Komgrit Nanakorn (9-11, 3 KOs) over six rounds, prevailing in a unanimous points decision win. The judges scorecards read 59-55, 58-55 and 59-54 all in favour of Vlamis.
Nick Lantouris (9-9, 1 KO) returned from a 3 year hiatus from the ring to record a six round majority points decision win over Stephen Gillingham (3-2). The judges scorecards read 58-56 and 57-56 in favour of Lantouris and a 57-57 draw.
The event was promoted by Peter Maniatis Promotions and highlights of the show will be televised across Victoria, Australia on this Tuesday 28 July on the KO Boxing program at 10:30PM AEST and discussed on The Sweet Science boxing program this Monday 27 July across Australia between 6-8PM AEST, via the National Indigenous Radio Service.