Fight night has 15 bouts

The Umina Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) hosted a fight night on Saturday, May 12, with over 15 bouts performed in front of a capacity crowd.

The night featured the cream of Central Coast boxing talent and the atmosphere was electric, according to Umina PCYC boxing coach Joel Keegan.

Coming up against three-time New Zealand Champion Sheldon Whalley, Umina PCYC's Satali Tevi-Fuimaono faced a disadvantage of over 65 fights and two years experience.

But the young Umina dynamo put in an exhilarating performance and dominated the contest from start to finish.

The Kiwi champion had no chance to adjust as he was hit by Tevi-Fuimaono's clean scoring counter punches and heavy handed combinations.

The referee had to stop the contest midway through the third round.

Keegan said he was elated with Satali's effort.

"It was outstanding.

"Satali's first fight in front of a home crowd, against a real tough opponent and he does that: Absolutely brilliant.

"It was a real credit to Satali, his family, and all the coaches here at Umina PCYC," Keegan said.

The second main event saw Jasper Scannell from Umina PCYC against Dillon Bargero, son of five-time Australian Champion Marco.

Both boys had periods of dominance, with Bargero's strong punching and walk forward style posing problems for the sharp boxing and counter punching style of Scannell.

Spectators were on the edge of their seats for the bout most would have considered the fight of the night.

Scannell's punches found their mark consistently as the fight wore on, opening up the defences of the Wyong fighter.

It was a bruising affair and set the tone for all other fights to match.

"It was a great fight to watch and Bargero was a tough opponent for Jasper in his first fight back after almost three years off.

"I couldn't be happier with his performance or the test that Dillon gave him," said Keegan.

Copacabana's Shaun Wills was another standout with a classy boxing performance against Blacktown PCYC's Derrick Brinzi.

Wills, trained by former Irish international Terry Mahoney, showed great maturity and skill to overcome Brinzi's strength and reputation for power punching.

Josh English, unlucky not to be in preparations for the London Olympics, showed everyone his recent form was no fluke with a dominant display against the dangerous David Vo from Cabramatta.

Overcoming a sluggish first round, the "Little Rocket" from "Littleroc" gym scored a clear points win with his trademark body shots and tricky head movement.

Central Coast Youth Centre's Shawn Bevan repeatedly avoided his strong opponent's heavy handed hooks and uppercuts, to reply with two and three punch combinations flush on the chin.

His Penrith opponent was not to be deterred, and pressed forward throughout the fight, which made for a great clash of styles, but it was a clear victory to Bevan, the Geoff Bushnell trained heavyweight.

Chris Nixon from Umina PCYC looked a certain winner, well up on points in the third round, but a haymaker from Ben Newton, from Bargero's Boxing Gym, left Nixon unable to beat the count.

Isabel Fry and Ahren Ross, both from Umina PCYC, had competition spars after they failed to attract opponents.

Isabel fought Michelle Muchabato from Sydney, and looked the better boxer against a heavier and more experienced opponent.

Ahren put in a great effort against the current NSW Champion Mark Glew, showing plenty of skill and fitness in a tough bout.

In other performances on the night, Joey Birket from Bargero's Boxing Gym, and Matt Cunningham (CCYC), both gave away a bit of weight and experiences in their bouts and were unlucky in the decision on the night

Keegan said the success of the fights were due to the fantastic support from coaches and boxers all over the Central Coast.

"We think we have a great venue and great support from locals who want to see quality boxing bouts.

"All money raised will go back to the boxing program and our boxers, including Satali's efforts to compete at the World Title's in Kansas in August.

"These nights are here to stay," he said.

Email, 29 May 2012

Joel Keegan, Umina PCYC

Photo: Tomas Vysokai