It was the first boxing gala event held locally in almost half a decade. Seven Sapphire Mixed Martial Arts (SMMA) gym fighters took their recently acquired accolades from Australian titles to the ring at Inverell Racecourse last Saturday night.
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The 16-fight card event had the crowd on edge, and trainer, Darren Finn was confident the event could have introduced any number of future champions to the boxing scene.
Steve Hills highlighted the event, claiming the New England super heavyweight title in a close bout against standing champ Tremaine Patterson.
After four gruelling rounds, Hills claimed victory, with celebrations from trainer Darren Finn in the corner.
“Steve and I have been together for years and I had tears for his win. This is the start of something big for him,” he said. The title fight preceded the draw card bout between local contender Charles Boney and Billy McNaughton. Boney fought hard in a near inseparable bout, but the victory was ultimately awarded to McNaughton.
“Charles learnt a lot about being a main event draw card and how he must change his style to adapt to the fight,” Finn said.
“Billy did great he won that fight fair and square, and they also took it on a days notice so hats off to them.”
In a clash of champions, local challenger Dean Finn took on Australian heavyweight champ Tyler White, while super heavyweight bronze medallist David Collins claimed a hard-fought victory over Clint Hewitt.
“I am very proud of Dean. He showed the crowd what we already knew; his skill base is unreal. I’m hoping he keeps it up,” Finn said.
John Berger went toe-to-toe in a skilful exhibition bout against Australian champion Dan Beverly, before Aaron Coleman suffered a narrow points defeat against David Wagner.
“If Aaron trained more, I think he will turn some heads. He is small but all heart so I’m hoping he can give me more time and give himself 100 per cent and see what he can really do,” Finn said. Fellow SMMA contender, Jayden Connel had the crowd on edge in a back-and-fourth bout against Bingara fighter Michael Hunt. Connel’s reach delivered him a points victory on the night, but Finn said Hunt’s big-hearted performance was exceptional.
“Michael’s heart really showed and he has put in so much effort, win or lose, he should be very proud of himself. Amazing,” he said.
Among fellow fighters, SMMA’s Blake Krauss also claimed a win to round out the local take against contender Kane Browning in what was a show for fine boxing talent.
“Blake did everything his trainer told him and boxed how has been shown, winning all three rounds, handing him his first victory. Blake is an amazing talent,” Finn said.
