April 11 sees the return of Grange Big Time Boxing Fight Nights. And what a stellar beginning to the televised season with a 6 fight program being headed by “Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika, winner of the international Smash-hit reality show “The Contender”. Bika is a two-time World Title Challenger and boasts a record of 25 wins, 3 defeats and 2 draws. After an early controversial loss to our very own Sam “King” Soliman, his remaining defeats were at the hands of World Champion, Lucien Bute and one of the greatest fighters in history, 22 times defending World Super Middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe, In similar circumstances to Danny Green, Bika was involved in a controversial fight with the “Green Machine’s” nemesis, German, Marcus Beyer in which Beyer sustained a large cut for which the fight was stopped prematurely and called a draw. Sakio gained enormous respect during the final battle of “The Contender 2007”. With a viewing audience of millions and prize money of $750 000 USD up for grabs both combatants felt the canvass in the opening melee and what ensued was tough man contest beyond compare. Sakio stopped the heavily favoured American,Jaidon Codrington in the 8th round and calls from U.S. commentators resounded over the airwaves for “Fight of the year”. The exciting first round was also named “Round of the Year”. After returning to Australia and taking a well-earned break Bika has strongly maintained that he wanted his next fight to be in his adopted homeland. Bika has knocked back big fights on American boxing channel HBO with Edison Miranda, Librado Andrade and Mikkel Kessler. Grange Old School Boxing has granted Bika his wish and will headline him in the promotion at Cronulla Sharkies on April 11. His brazilian opponent Luzimar Gonzaga boasts a record of 18-2 with 15 kos and has told the South American press that he intends to spoil Bika’s homecoming The two will clash for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Super Middleweight Title over 12 rounds. Both are considered very strong punchers so this fight is one not to be missed. The Sutherland Shire’s favourite boxing son, Ryan Waters, is the main preliminary bout as he takes on seasoned boxer Dondon Sultan in a bout over 8 rounds. A win here will boost Waters’ rating such that he will be able to contest a World Title in his very next fight. Sultan is highly ranked, well-respected and has a record of 22-11-3 with one of his victories being a first round ko of Anton Solopov. Another local on the card is former IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Gairy St Clair. A resident of the Sutherland Shire since he first became an Australian resident, St Clair is looking to get back to the World stage and challenge for the IBF World Title currently held by Cassius Baloyi, a man he has beaten. St Clair is in action over 8 rounds. The Grange Old School Boxing Gym has one of their younger stars on the card as well in Ben Warburton who will be contesting his very first professional title. Warburton battles Ernie Gonzales Jnr from Campbelltown for the NSW State Featherweight Title over 8 rounds. Warburton is a resident of Penrith and is undefeated in his five contests to date. These two share a fierce rivalry and this bout should be action-packed from the starting bell. The first bout of the evening is a well matched bout between Sydneysiders Daniel Pawsey hailing from Bondi and Damien Smith from Castle Hill. They battle each other over four rounds at Super Middleweight. This is expected to be a very tight duel with the winner set to contest a state title in the near future… All in all this is to be one of the biggest nights in boxing for the year and The Grange Old School Boxing Gym has spared no expense in bringing the show to the public. Tickets are available from the Cronulla Leagues Club at $50 each and there are some corporate tables left. For tables phone Garrie Francisco 0425 818825 Doors open at 6.30pm and the first fight is set to commence at 7pm. All media enquiries, media accreditation requests and boxer interview requests can be directed to Garrie Francisco at Grange Old School Boxing on (02) 4647 9941 or 0425 818825 or via email This content is protected
Thanks Kegsy, looks like a pretty good card. By chance, are Fox picking up the Medley/Hlatswayo card as well?
The Oganov v Kariuki card is made for Fox. Very disappointing. Hoping Red Corner can do some filming for us.
Thats ridiculous, IBO title fight isn't it??? Medley needs to open up against this guy, hopefully he's learned from the last outing.
Yeah might be a little too soon for Medley sadly IMO. I would have taken probably a couple more fights before fighting Hlatswayo again.
Are they rematching? Why would Isaac fight him again? He has nothing to gain. He must be getting some good $$$. But yeah i woud have let Medley get a few more wins then get beck to him.
Could have been a rematch clause? Isaac's camp spent alot of time and energy trying to get Ricky Hatton, when it fell through, I would say Medley came into the picture to ensure Isaac remained active. I wouldn't have thought much money would be involved. Your right though def strange?
Ok thanks mate. Yeah i didnt know he was trying to get Hatton to a fight. Would have been good to se Isaac try and secure a fight with Witter, if Witter gets by Bradley. Yeah the main thing is to be active, so good for him.
How Far is Cronulla Shakies from Central Station??? i might see if i can get to the fights EDIT: I MADE IT 2000 POSTS!!!! arty the last few posts have been along time coming (lack of internet or time for it when its available) but i finally made it :happy