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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Fight night attracts 300

 

The first of three fight nights at Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club attracted 300 spectators on February 8.

With 14 bouts, including a heavyweight State title, the event saw 20 boxers competing in three two-minute rounds in four "total fighting" bouts.

The Australian super lightweight total fighting clash with five two-minute rounds was won by young Umina local Blake Drazivich.

Evenly matched against Jason Siebert of Summerland Point, both fighters weighed in at 59kg.

Blake outclassed Jason, with the referee stopping the tussle during the third round.

"Total fighting" is a mixed martial arts contest, with full contact, bare knuckles.

Contestants include martial artists skilled in kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, boxing, Karate and Kung Fu.

The takedowns of Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling, Judo and Jujitsu are all within the rules.

It was claimed to be the only tournament where fighters of different styles may compete against each other.

The fights normally consist of two-minute rounds with a one minute break and a 30 second ground time limit.

The next fight night is May 11, starting at 8pm, at Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club.

Little Roc Boxing of Long Jetty was well represented by seven boxers, trained by Anthony and Johnny Cotterill.

Glenn Bingham, although shorter, was faster and more elusive, winning his featherweight bout against the thicker set Chris Richards of St Mary's.

Chris Larden and Steve Ercot both won their super middleweight and junior middleweight bouts.

The Referee's Fight of the Night Award was presented to the ninth bout - Steve Ercot, a 63.5kg Wamberal lad, up against Matthew Phillips trained by Victor Callagham.

This contest saw the longer reach of Ercot knocking the 59kg Phillips down twice in the second round.

Phillips retired at the end of this round.

The two younger boxers trained by Celtic Kickboxing Organisation - Jeff Phipps of Copacabana and Troy Hutchinson of Kincumber - won their junior middleweight and cruiserweight bouts.

Both looked fit, went the distance, and won on points.

The heavyweight State title bout was a disappointing affair, scheduled for four two-minute rounds, it was over just after it had begun.

Steve Chipari, a 96kg Rooty Hill resident, trained by Brian Freeman from Prospect Fight Club, punched the heavier 102kg of Tommy Camma into the ropes with two strong blows.

Tommy then rebounded straight into another right to his head.

Referee Dennis Magnate, president of the Australian Boxing League, had no hesitation in stopping the fight, one and a half minutes into the first round.

The last bout of the evening matched Micky Briden, a clever 80kg Little Roc boxer, against Ettalong Beach resident Tony McHenry, weighing in at 77.5kg.

The referee awarded the contest to Micky Briden with a second round knockout decision, a result of McHenry failing to guard his head against his heavier opponent.

Tony McWilliam, February 25