There were raucous scenes at the Gippsland Regional Sporting Complex (GRSC) in Sale last Friday as classy local boxer Max Reeves made light work of unbeaten opponent Riley Candy in their Australian Super Middleweight title bout.
Reeves picked up his second Australian title in the first round win, the referee calling a stop to the fight after Candy hit the deck for the third time, much to the delight of fans who were expecting something special, but even this effort by the Stratford star exceeded expectations.
It was Reeves’ 10th win from 12 fights and his first since being stopped by Tonga Tongotongo in June last year in a controversial bout where Reeves certainly wasn’t afforded as many chances as Candy.
The modest and quietly spoken Reeves was happy to be back in the ring, the Australian title an added reward.
“It’s great to be back, we have worked hard and come through unscathed which is even better. I’m keen to go again as soon as possible,” Reeves said.
Looking in great fettle, Reeves appears to have put on some noticeable bulk, adding further power to his imposing frame.
“Yes, there was plenty of sparring and gym work in preparation, it’s great to feel so strong and comfortable at super middleweight,” Reeves said.
After a few days off, Reeves is already back in the ring, his team will begin sorting through potential offers later in the week.
In an entertaining night’s boxing, the fight of the night was put on by Lachlan “Bubba” Higgins and the unbeaten Dom Mollinaro, who traded blows toe-to-toe over six hard-fought rounds.
Neither fighter took a backward step, with the judges points required to separate the warriors.
Mollinaro won by majority decision after two judges scored the fight his way, 58-57 and 58-56.
The other judge couldn’t separate the gladiators, the two combatants locked at 57-57.
There was disappointment for another Bairnsdale-based boxer, former New Zealander Villiami Liavva, whose bout was stopped in third round against unbeaten Queenslander Xavier Fletcher, who has now strung together five wins.
Fletcher was delighted to be crowned Australian middleweight championship so early in his fledgling career, Liava unable to seize on the late opportunity for a win which have kick started his career.
The talented Liavva has now suffered defeat in his past three bouts.
The night was put on by former world champion boxer turned promoter, ‘Wild’ Will Tomlinson, who was impressed by Reeves’ ability in the ring and his ability to draw a crowd to the GRSC.
“They love him there and he has certainly comeback in outstanding shape. He is on the rise, and with continued support he is capable of going all the way to the top,” Tomlinson said.
The GRSC event has become an annual event in recent years, the atmosphere inside the venue electrifying when local talent like Reeves go in for kill.
