“Super Boxer” 9th July Preview

Domestic boxing finally returns to Australian free to air television with the new One-HD channel’s “Superboxer” starting this Thursday at 9pm. The card has some solid fights on it with the headliner featuring world title challenger Billy Dib in a Featherweight regional title clash. The undercard sees a mini tournament between Australia’s top four cruiserweights which could likely set up a big fight in the not to distant future as well as one of the countries brightest prospects in the super middleweight division.

Billy Dib vs Kenichi Yamaguchi
(12 rounds, WBO Asia Pacific title)
Dib (22-1-0) might not be world class yet but he’s definately on his way there and at 23 years old he’s got plenty of time on his side. With his unorthodox style which utilises his handspeed and reflexes, Dib often confuses his opponents and draws openings from where there are none. However, his inexperience was shown in his only loss to date last year when he came up short against WBO Featherweight champion Steve Luevano by unanimous decision on the Hopkins-Pavlik undercard last October. Coming off a tough split decision win over Davey Browne in March, Dib takes on Japanese contender Kenichi Yamaguchi (15-1-2). Not a lot is known of Yamaguchi as he hasn’t fought outside of his hometown of Osaka, Japan but on paper he seems a step-up from some of Dib’s opponents. Dib will be looking to impress as the main event on the first free-to-air card in a long, long time and should do so against his inexperienced opponent. Billy Dib by unanimous decision.

Dominic Vea vs Anthony McCracken
(8 rounds, cruiserweight)
This will probably be fight of the night as both guys like to throw (and take) hard punches and have been in their share of wars in recent times. Vea (10-1-0) is one of the better prospects in the country with the only blemish on his record coming against Australian Cruiserweight champion Daniel Ammann in a war in 2006. The fight then was held at 86kg rather then the international limit of 91kg which the title now sits at. The two have since rematched with Vea winning a unanimous decision in an equally exciting war for the OPBF title last year. Vea is a heavy handed slugger with an iron chin who carries his power late into the fight. McCracken (10-2-0) is one of the toughest fighters in the Australian cruiserweight division with his only two losses coming against Ammann and Jamie Withers in 2007 fights. McCracken probably has the edge in skill level but Vea’s punching power more then tilts the scales in his favour and the big question will be how McCracken takes Vea’s power. I like Vea in this fight, but I think it’s going to be a war for the first two or three. I think McCracken will show a good chin early, but as Vea starts landing he’ll go into his shell a bit more and Vea will outwork him over the 2nd half of the fight for a comfortable points win. Dominic Vea by unanimous decision.

Daniel Ammann vs Jamie Withers
(6 rounds, Cruiserweight)
This is a rematch of a 2005 four rounder on an Anthony Mundine card in 2005 which was won via split decision by Withers (11-0-0). That fight was controlled by Withers, although Ammann (15-2-1) had his moments and did very well considering his inexperience at the time considering Withers had an extensive amateur background. Since that fight Ammann has risen to be the best Cruiserweight in the country for a period while Withers battled it out against (mostly) overmatched opponents on Mundine undercards. Ammann won the Australian cruiserweight title at 86kg, defended it four times including wins over Vea and McCracken, challenged for the OPBF title and most recently battered former world title challenger Mohammed Azzoui, scoring five knockdowns in the most lopsided six round decision I’ve ever seen (60-51, 60-50, 60-49). Withers is yet to be beaten and has beaten some of the same guys Ammann has, just not in the same fashion. He struggled against Anthony McCracken (over six-two minute rounds) despite winning a one sided unanimous decision (I scored that fight to him by a point). Withers also outpointed Azzoui last year, winning every round in an uninspiring performance. This is probably the best fight on the card, although I don’t think it has the potential to explode like McCracken-Vea does. Over ten rounds I think Ammann would likely stop Withers, but over six Jamie has a strong chance. I’m giving Ammann the edge as I think he is the more tested, although I think it could be close. Daniel Ammann by split decision.

I believe that will be the televised portion of the card although I’m not 100% sure. Super Middleweight prospecty Michael Bolling (6-0) is also on the card according to boxrec.com, but an opponent is not listed.
Welterweights Anthony Brownlie (2-2-0) and Alex Ahtong (2-2-2) do battle in a four rounder. Brownlie has shown to be very game in his four pro bouts, while Ahtong scored a knockout over tough journeyman Ariel Omongos last October.
Junior Welterweights Robert Whaley (1-0) and Gavin Locock (2-1-1) will fight over four rounds. Whaley will have a slight size advantage but Locock is apparently an experienced amateur with a pro win over Brendan Batty who is making a comeback after a three year absence so this should be a competitive battle.
The nights opener in the Light Heavyweight division is between Mark Pawsey (5-3-1) and Ben Wrotniak (1-0).

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