Daniel Tai earned a hard fought 12-round decision from Elisara Sii Uta when he retained his New Zealand heavyweight title (NZNBF version) at the Telstra Events Centre, South Auckland on Saturday November 11.
The pattern of the fight was set early when Elisara (105kg) would circle firing out left hands and the occasional hook in quick attacks. The shorter-armed Tai (112kg) would stalk him patiently and outwork him on the inside when he could catch up with him. Probably Tai’s greater strength was what won him the decision although a section of the crowd did not agree.
His sister Christina Tai (62kg), opened the nights fisticuffs when she stopped Adrien Hunter (64.9kg) in the second round when Hunter’s left eye closed after a massive right hand had landed from Tai. Scheduled for four rounds.
Dean McNabney (66kg) having his first pro fight after a lengthy amateur career, knocked novice pro James Lampard (64.7kg) cold after 2m 5s of the first round with a straight right hand.
Australian-born Paz Viejo (76.8kg) ran like the proverbial thief to last the four-round distance against former South Pacific Games gold medalist Francis Partsh, who looked heavier than his announced 79kg.
Indian boxer Harry Venka (billed as Hari Venkart, 68kg) repeated a previous four-round decision over Feleti Tavui (69kg), the judges giving him every round.
Veteran Sam Leuii (100kg) showed he still had some fight left when he came back after being knocked heavily through the ropes in the second round to narrowly win the remaining four rounds to outpoint Amosa Zinck (104kg). The win to Leuii was a huge upset and he immediately issued a challenge for a heavyweight title shot.
In the best fight of the night, Rico Chong Nee (79.2kg) and former New Zealand multiple champion, Sean Sullivan (84.1kg), locked horns and slammed away in a war of attrition over six rounds which saw Nee win a points decision. Although it was rough at times and sometimes bad-tempered the pair exchanged pleasantries before leaving the ring.
The crowd of 400 was a disappointment for promoter Ofisa Vili but it must be noted that the rugby league test between Great Britain and the Kiwis was screened live on TV at the same time.
