Referee Logan Bragg was put in a quandary at the Auckland Boxing Association's October 28 tournament at their stadium in Eden Terrace when Lava Savelio accidentally thumbed opponent Junior Patti in the eye during the first round.
Patti (101.1kg) immediately turned away clutching his injured optic and referee Bragg was forced to call the doctor to examine the boxer. The doctor ruled that Patti could not continue but referee Bragg was not totally convinced (under ABA rules the referee has the final say in all aspects of the final decision). So instead of disqualifying Savelio (102kg) and thus blotting his record, Bragg ruled a "no decision".
The main event between Chris Rehu (72kg) and Ionatana Puna (68.6kg) was in old-fashioned parlance " a ripper". But as often is the case only a small crowd was in attendance to see this blood and huts encounter.
The blood appeared as early as the first round with a cut above Puna's right eye. In the second round blood started flowing profusely from Rehu's nose and continued to do so throughout the contest.
The taller Rehu used the ring and his reach to land jabs and right crosses while the more compact Puna ducked low and worked Rehu's body with wicked left and right shots to the ribs. The action continued unabated throughout the six rounds, which saw Puna take the narrowest of decisions.
In the other pro bout, Charon Hepi (90.6kg) also won a close decision when he outpointed Paula Tui (87.7kg) over four rounds. Hepi, who is rained by Jason Suttie and Roger Earp and also competes as a kickboxer, remained calm under fire and kept Tui on the back foot thus preventing him from landing his customary bombs. Tui is a promoter's dream; he turns up with gear at every tournament and will fight anybody.
Amateurs made up the undercard. The pick was a skilful contest between Nuka Gemmell (56.7kg) from Mount Albert and Sam Montague (54.6kg) of Whangaparoa. Nuka adjusted well to Montague's (who recently won a national title) southpaw style and was able to land effective right-hand counters to win a majority points decision.
