Not sure carrying all the extra weight did Quinlan any favours. He looked tubby and was hard to recognize as the same guy.
Aust MW champ Canberra David Toussiant takes on tough Kiwi boxer Shay Brock for regional title May 4 at Hellenic Club. This content is protected David has been preparing in Phuket. This content is protected
Looking at the fight again now, and I don't know how Hooper survived the 5th round. Down twice and out on his feet he somehow survived the final minute. Quinlan was desperately unlucky not to have landed the fight ending shot in that round. Not keen on how Hooper goes down on a knee when the referee is already counting. If he is disoriented he will at some stage find he can't get back up again in time to beat the count.
Very talented Hooper but his chin is a worry. The LHW champs like Dimitry Bivol , Artur Berterbiev , Adonis Stevenson and Kovalev are savage punchers and CW even heavier punchers. Quinlan is really a blown up MW. I don't know how Quinlan with be able to meet his obligations to fight for the WBC Silver 168 lb title in Uzbekistan in 3 weeks and then 3 weeks later his fight at 160 lb at Star City . He needs a good rest to recuperate.
Just prior to the first knockdown, a good shot by Quinlan froze Hooper on his feet with his hands down. Memories of David Price just the other day, and in the moment I thought he was going to end up iced like Price was. But credit to both boys and Hooper's courage was unquestionable. After being dominated in the 5th, Hooper just went balls to the wall in the 6th and stood toe to toe, and got himself back into the fight. That move could easily have cost him the fight. But instead it turned the fight on its ear and probably won it for him.
His chin is a worry, but in saying that the best puncher he's been in with was that undefeated Russian who he fought in his previous fight. It didn't let him down there. The other thing that concerns me a bit is that it seems to me that in the professional ranks there are plenty of guys on "supplements" programs. Those types couldn't compete with Hooper in the amateurs when it was a level playing field but the pro ranks are anything but. Anyway, a win's a win & it was entertaining & spectacular. Hopefully he can get his out of the ring stuff sorted & focus on the boxing.
What about Quinlan ? He can fight in 3 divisions and he can definitely punch ? What future do u see for him ?
The fighter i would like Quinlan to fight is Gold Coast SMW WBO ranked fighter Rohan Murdock. However Arum is grooming him to fight for the title like he did with Jeff Horn with Pacquiao and Quinlan is too dangerous.
Hooper took a knee during both counts in the 5th round. Unusual. Not sure if he is during it under instruction, but I fail to see the benefit of it.
I didn't have a problem with him taking a knee (twice). I thought it was odd though that after one of the kds, he got up, wandered around and then took a knee late in the count. I was concerned what the ref would make of that in terms of his willingness to continue in the fight given it wasn't long until the end of the count & Hooper was clearly hurt. Anyway, what do I know? He went on & won the fight.
Jeff Horn sparring partner Nathan Webber who won on Sat is now 5 - 0 is now eying a showdown with national 147 lb Champ Rivan Cesaira. Bilal Akkawy is back early from his training camp in San Diego with Canelo after cancellation. Still though short should be a learning exp and hopefully open some doors in the States. This content is protected This content is protected
The fights I'd like to see in Australian boxing: Lucas Browne 25-1(22) v Alex Leapai 31-7-4(25) @ Heavyweight Jai Opetaia 15-0(12) v Mark Flanagan 24-5(17) @ Cruiserweight Damien Hooper 14-1(9) v Blake Caparello 26-3-1(10) @ Light Heavy Bilal Akkawy 17-0-1(14) v Rohan Murdoch 22-1(16) @ Super Middle Tim Tszyu 8-0(6) v Dave Toussaint 12-0(8) @ Middleweight George Kambosos 13-0(7) v Paul Fleming 25-0(17) @ Lightweight Some of the young blokes probably aren't ready for their more experienced counterparts, but these are the domestic matchups I'd like to see them working towards.
Bilal Akkawy 17-0-1 (14) v Jayde Mitchell 16-1-0 (9) @ Super Middle is one I'm looking forward to, and it is getting closer and closer to getting made from what I'm hearing.
Commonwealth Games Update. Quarter Finals Tues Aus time and winner is guaranteed at least a Bronze Medal. Time 14.47 64 kg Liam Wilson Eng Luke McCormack 15.17 91 kg Jason Whateley Nig Damien Sullivan 20.02 69 kg Terry Nickolas Ind Manoj Kumar 21.02 91 kg + Toese Vou Siutu Eng Frazier Clarke Quarter Finals Wed Aus time 20.17 60 kg Harry Garside Scot Nathan Collins 21.02 81 kg Clay Waterman Zamb Mbachi Kaonga Good luck boys !!! This content is protected
