Local boxing star Max Reeves has claimed the World Boxing Organisation Oriental super middleweight title after securing a split points decision on Easter Sunday at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre, in the biggest fight of his career.
Reeves went toe-to-toe with the relentless Frances Waitai over 10 rounds on the Tim Tszyu–Denis Nurja undercard. The Stratford-based 25-year-old, despite suffering a bloody nose late in the fight, landed over 100 more punches than his New Zealand opponent, with more than half directed to the head — making the judges’ scores a surprise to many.
Waitai had his moments, doing his best work in the ninth round, but Reeves regained composure in the final round to secure the victory. Two judges scored comfortably for Reeves, 99-91 and 98-92, while the third scored 96-94 in favour of Waitai, creating a controversial twist. Most experts agreed the Kiwi may have taken a round or two, but certainly not four or six.
The win improves Reeves’ professional record to 13 wins, one loss, and one draw, with many still believing he was unlucky not to remain undefeated following a contentious loss to Tonga Tongotongo in June 2024.
Reeves continues to build a reputation as one of the emerging talents in the super middleweight division, with the victory now placing him in the world’s top 15 rankings. With his combination of skill, stamina, and ring awareness, Reeves looks set for a big couple of years on both domestic and international stages.
