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by Paul
Upham
 While
Australian boxing is currently very strong with stars Kostya
Tszyu, Anthony Mundine, Danny Green and Paul Briggs leading
the way along with a number of world rated contenders, it is
important that Aussie boxing fans continue to support local
shows. While pay-per-view sales for Main Event television, Sky
Channel and Fox Sports Pub & Club Vision are important and
ratings for live Fox Sports Friday night fights are closely
monitored, the survival of Australian boxing is largely dependant
on fans supporting boxing cards in their local areas and spending
their money at the gate.
Tony
Caradonna’s Blaster Promotions in conjunction with Shannan
Taylor, has recently gone into partnership with Glenn Wheatley’s
Talentworks to promote regular shows at the Panthers World of
Entertainment in Penrith, west of Sydney. Their last show on
January 23 was a great example of what is on offer to local
fans. The card in itself featured name fighters Sam Soliman,
Noufel Ben Rabah and Glen Kelly up against Argentine opponents.
Lawrence Tauasa faced Paul Smallman, Gairy St.Claire was up
against Johannes Sheferaw and local favourite Josh Clenshaw
was matched with Arama Tabuai. While the action in the ring
was entertaining in itself (the St.Claire-Sheferaw contest had
the crowd roaring), the attractions outside of the ring were
just as entertaining.
Current
boxers in attendance included Lovemore Ndou, Nedal Hussein,
Hussein Hussein, Nader Hamdan, Daniel Rowsell, Vic Darchinian,
Ercument Aslan and John Cotterill. Paul “Hurricane”
Briggs and his trainer/manger Rod Waterhouse were in the crowd.
The 28 year-old light heavyweight contender was introduced to
the cheering crowd in the ring prior to the main event. “Sometimes
the business of boxing is harder than the sport of boxing,”
said Briggs. “I’m just going to go through whoever
is put in front of me and I hope to see you back here on March
7.”
 The
“Blaster” himself Shannan Taylor, then entered the
ring with new baby daughter Nathalia, born in the first week
of January to partner Rebecca. “She’s beautiful,”
gushed Taylor. “Rebecca has given me something so special.
No matter whether I win a world title or not, she means the
most to me.”
Jeff
Fenech was also there, along with trainers and Australian boxing
identities Dave “the Rock” Hedgecock, Frank Gatt,
Billy Hussein, Angelo Hyder, Dino Billinghurst, Craig Christian,
David Birchell, matchmaker/manager Stuart Duncan, ANBF President
Brad Vocale and former world title referee Billy Mailes in his
new role with the NSW Boxing Authority. From the media, the
Daily Telegraph’s Grantlee Kieza was ringside along with
senior IBF official and World of Boxing editor/publisher Ray
Wheatley. Channel 10’s Daniel Lane was present, as was
the Australian Associated Press’ boxing guru Adrian Warren.
As always, the ring card girls and dancers at Panthers were
impressive and there were boxing memorabilia auctions between
the bouts and a charity prize draw to raise funds for the PCYC
organisation.
Co-promoter
Glenn Wheatley, the legendary music industry manager who took
John Farnham and Delta Goodrem to the top of the charts was
everywhere. Greeting everyone sincerely and always with a smile
on his face, Wheatley wants to make sure that all in attendance
are having a good time.
 Led
by Australia’s No.1 ring announcer and Fox Sports identity
Andy Raymond, before the main event there was even a happy birthday
sing-along for Glenn Wheatley and Tony Carradonna’s wife
Janelle who were both celebrating birthdays. While when the
main event finally arrived, there were eight children carrying
Sam Soliman’s championship belts into the ring and a touching
moment of respect was seen as the top ten middleweight contender,
received a handshake through the ropes from former opponent
and now friend and sparring partner Nader Hamdan.
The
great thing about these cards is that all of the boxers and
identities are accessible to the general public. Boxers who
have already fought always mingle with the crowd and it is a
chance for fans to gets autographs and photos. Those in the
Australian boxing industry are very appreciative of the fans
and the support they receive. Fans should never be afraid to
walk up and say hello to those mentioned. More often than not
you will receive a warm reception.
 The
next Blaster Promotions/Talentworks promotion at the Panthers
World of Entertainment on Sunday 7th March will be headlined
by WBC No.2 light heavyweight Paul Briggs in a world title eliminator
against Mexican WBC No.8 Jesus Ruiz. Co-featuring on the card
will be Shannan Taylor and Sam Soliman in separate bouts. Glen
Kelly vs. Lawrence Tauasa at cruiserweight, IBF Pan Pacific
light heavyweight champion Jason Delisle vs. Juarne Dowling
and Steven Marks and Johannes Sheferaw in separate bouts. The
action will start at 2pm local time and while the Colonel Bob
Sheridan direct from the USA, will be a special guest commentator
for the live telecast on Sky Channel and Main Event television,
fans are encouraged to buy their tickets and attend in person.
You never know what you may experience and see inside, or outside
the ring.
© Paul Upham 2003-2004
Contributing Editor
More from Paul Upham:
THE MAKING OF MUNDINE v GREEN !
Supporting Local Australian Shows
Aussies and their first world title
defences [Jan 17, 2004]
The Blaster becomes a Dad & other Aussie
buzz [Jan 4, 2003]
Australia's best Pound for Pound
[Dec, 2003]
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