Locals witness close title fight in Ettalong
Australian Middleweight boxing champion, Mark Bargero, retained his title against Ian McLeod at the Ettalong Beach Club last month.
Bargero, from the Central Coast, won in a close fight that went the full 12 rounds.
Bargero originally won his title against McLeod in 1997 and this last tussle showed emotion and determination from both fighters.
The first two rounds saw both testing each other and showing respect for each others ability to counter punch.
By the third round, the near sell- out crowd were vocal in their support of the local boy.
The rounds that followed were too close to call but by round 10 Bargero was a little lighter on his feet than the determined McLeod.
The three judges scored the boxers equally and the match was declared a draw, which meant the title was retained by current champion Bargero.
After the match, Bargero said: "Congratulations to Ian, he put up a magnificent show".
McLeod was disappointed with the decision.
"I thought I won that one pretty easily," he said.
There were eight other fights on the night with two featuring Central Coast fighters.
Paul Smallman beat the Jeff Fenech trained Zane Ali and Guy Waters defeated Simon Whiu.
Fight organiser Jayde Woodward said: "The night was a night was a huge success and a good thing for the Peninsula.
"The boxers and trainers stayed and ate on the Peninsula and were impressed by the hospitality," he said.
State manager for major sponsor Motorola, Mr Doug Williamson, said he enjoyed the night and was leaving with a good impression of the Peninsula.
"I was delighted with the night," he said.
"It was a great night."
Carl Spears, December 14