Bairnsdale boxer Blake “Bomber” Wells has scored the biggest win of his professional career on what was the biggest fight night held in Australia in almost two decades. Wells claimed the IBF Pan Pacific Middleweight title on points over Chinese fighter Ainiwaer Yilixiati on the undercard of the now-controversial Tszyu/Zerafa bout last friday night
in Brisbane.
Thousands packed into the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, while hundreds of thousands more watched at home on pay-per-view in anticipation of a showdown that ultimately never eventuated. Wells, however, put on one of the standout performances of the night in the biggest fight of his career,
a contest that itself passed
without controversy.
The fight was stopped by the referee 37 seconds into the ninth round of the scheduled 10-round bout after a nasty cut opened above Yilixiati’s eye, leaving the orthodox fighter unable to continue due to impaired vision. As the cut was caused by an accidental head clash — a common occurrence when an orthodox boxer meets a southpaw — the fight was awarded to Wells on points. The judges’ scorecards read 88-83, 88-84, and 87-84
in his favour.
The victory guarantees Wells a ranking in the top 15 in the world and opens doors for the coming months, with the prospect of a world title fight on the horizon.
It was eight compelling rounds, with Yilixiati constantly pressing forward, but Wells consistently landing the cleaner, more telling blows while cleverly outboxing his opponent. Wells started strongly, landing a huge left in the first round, clearly taking the early points, while coach Paul Carroll continually urged him to “stay straight.” Yilixiati looked sharper in round two, before Wells landed three huge scoring punches in round three, causing a trickle of blood from a head clash near his left eye.
Yilixiati fought back in round four, landing some solid headshots, but over the next four rounds Wells maintained control, skillfully deflecting many of his opponent’s counters while landing the cleaner punches. Disaster struck early in the ninth, with a severe head cut to Yilixiati’s right eye prompting the referee, on the advice of the ringside doctor, to wave off the contest, despite protest from the Chinese fighter.
Wells was ecstatic with a result that could be career-defining and life-changing, eager to return to Bairnsdale to celebrate with partner Abbey and son Sonny, who did not make the trip, as the couple prepares for the arrival of their second child.
Coach Paul Carroll was full of praise for his fighter.”He puts in the hard work and dedication, and he showcased his talent tonight,” he said.”He’s always ready to fight. It’s a sport that can be brutal at times, but I’m so proud — he represents our community unbelievably, both in and, more importantly, out of the ring.”Wells’ manager Paul Hadden also beamed ringside.
“This is a huge result for Blake and the Bairnsdale crew led by Turk (Paul Carroll),” he said.”People can’t believe we’ve pulled off two massive wins tonight, and we’re based four hours out of the city. It’s a testament to the dedication of Blake, Turk and Max.”Wells will take a few quiet weeks to enjoy the birth of his second child before beginning preparations for another fight on a No Limit card, likely against an overseas opponent, as he aims to strengthen his international ranking.
