Bairnsdale’s Blake ‘Bomber’ Wells has scored the biggest win of his career, stopping tough Filipino veteran Arnel Tinampay, who had never been stopped in his previous 55-fight career.
The 30-year-old Wells, who was fighting as a middleweight for the first time since he was 17, was keen to make a statement, and that’s exactly what he did.
After dominating rounds one and three, and probably splitting the second round, Wells upped the tempo in the fourth round, eventually landing a vicious left hand body blow which sent the tough Tinampay to canvas, the referee calling a stop to proceedings with seconds remaining in the round.
Tinampay has fought some tough boxers throughout Australia and Asia, but Wells was delighted to be the first one to end his night early.
“We trained hard for the fight and we came here expecting a tough night, he comes forward and he used to train and spar with Manny Pacquiao, so Iwas expecting him to be tough and hard to stop, so I’m really happy with that performance,” Wells said.
Wells attacked the body at any opportunity, a clear plan to slow the Fillipino.
“He’s got a hard head, we thought we could get at his body and the plan worked perfectly,” Wells said.
Keen to have a huge 2024 after suffering two disappointing losses to Tej Singh in 2023, Wells will be back working hard in the gym this week keen to get back in the ring sooner rather than later as a middleweight.
“I will be getting back to training ASAP, hoping that the phone rings and someone is keen to get in the ring, I’d love to get into the ring with someone like (Michael) Zerafa, a big name who is there for the taking,” Wells said.
Wells dedicated his performance to former local sporting identity, Jock Rodwell, who passed away recently.
“He was a huge part of sport in East Gippsland and helpful to me personally, I would like to dedicate this performance to his memory,” Wells said.
Eastcoast Boxing Club coach, Paul Carroll, was in awe of Well’s performance.
“That guy’s unstoppable, to put him on the canvas in the fourth in those circumstance is unbelievable, he’s been working hard and made a huge statement tonight, hopefully it will open some doors,” Carroll said.
