WBF Vice President of the Amateur Masters Division Mr Kim Gray and his outstanding team from Undisputed Promotions proudly promoted that annual WBF ‘Olden Gloves’ Tournament in Queensland, Australia recently that produced sensational displays of world class Amateur Masters boxing.
Fight of the Night – Australian Mark ‘Chopper’ Burgess took on fellow Aussie John McDonald. When this fight was first announced it already had people excited, so when it finally came to the introductions centre ring for this bout, it was obvious the crowd were about to witness a World Class epic battle between these two 60 year old Masters warriors.
Both men put on a fantastic crowd pleasing 6 round contest that will become legend in their home country of Australia. It was a fitting and deserved end to both boxer’s careers contesting the WBF Amateur Masters World title. The championship bout was contested with undoubted and respectful sportsmanship and both men left absolutely everything in the ring.
Winner and Champion Mark ‘Chopper’ Burgess was named fighter of the tournament with his impressive win and upon completion of the bout, the winner announced and championship belt presented, both men announced their retirement from the sport.
Being named fighter of the tournament was a difficult decision for the judging panel as there were a number of Master Boxers in contention with many outstanding performances, especially the World title bout between Australian Jimmy Luppo and Fijian Malagamauapi Sa’u Tim Seuala.
These two heavyweight Masters started fast with heavy exchanges of combinations in the opening stanza. Round two of the scheduled 6 rounds was a massive one for Luppo who was relentless, delivering a constant barrage of punishing body shots, but somehow and to his credit, his Fijian opponent weathered the storm to see the bell. At the start of the 3rd round, the corner of the tough and willing Fijian had seen enough and retired their charge, thus handing the new champ Jimmy Luppo the win by way of TKO (2 of 6)
By winning his bout so spectacularly, Jimmy Luppo won over any critics with his display of skill, determination, and fitness. It was with phenomenal personal courage that the Fijian Seula withstood the barrage of heavy body shots delivered by Luppo.
The feature women’s bout of the tournament had Australian Julie Gavegan from state of Victoria square off against fellow Aussie Mercedas Taaffe-Cooper from the state of South Australia.
This bout scheduled for 5 rounds was action packed from the opening bell and with contrasting styles made for an intriguing contest between the two. Taafe-Cooper, originally from Ireland demonstrated true Irish spirit and pushed the Gavegan the distance and was just edged out over the 5 rounds crowning the Victorian the new Australian Champ by way of split points decision.
Australian state of Victoria’s Theron Rennison lost his Title to hard punching new champ Gus Guardia in a close one that went the distance and both have agreed to a rematch later this year.
Another sensational bout was in the super heavyweight division where Simon Peter Seiuli took on Brophy’s legend Darryl Burley. This bout really saw the value of the jab dominate the contest.
Matt Penfold’s bout with veteran Kev O’Neil had the crowd on their feet from the first bell to last… Outstanding performances to one and all with way too many to mention here.
With a stacked 30 bout card hosting several WBF championship Amateur Masters titles ran for an exhausting 13 hours in total, and was an event provided many precious memories and lifetime performances…
75 year old Dennis Cherry – (YES DENNIS IS 75 YEARS OLD !!!) boxed beautifully for 5 rounds with fellow veteran Master Steve March.
Another 75 year old Barry Dowd (YES BARRY IS ALSO 75 YEARS OLD!!!) putting on a fantastic performance over 5 rounds…. I hope we have paved the way for Dream Chasers and memory makers and allowed some weary souls to again step up and contest in the squared circle that is Amateur Masters Boxing….
Article written by Mr Kim Gray of Undisputed Promotions.
WBF President - On behalf of the WBF, we would like to both congratulate and commend Kim Gray and his entire team from Undisputed Promotions for making Amateur Masters Boxing what it is really supposed to be for all involved.