Larucia v Kori Headlines Thunderdome 43 Sept 1

Press Release July 21, 2023 By Dragon Fire Boxing - Thunderdome returns September 1st with its Forty Third installment of the popular bi-monthly promotions at the home of Western Australian boxing Metro City on September 1st. 

Credit: Victor Lin

 

The main event will see Jordan Laruccia (5-0, 3 KOs) take on Fano Kori (8-6-1, 5 KOs) in the popular Super Welterweight division over 8 rounds in a Western Australian Civil war match for the Australian National Boxing Federations Australasian Championship. Laruccia touted by many boxing insiders as the future of the Super Welterweight division is coming off an impressive 23 seconds knock out over Captain Jack Dolo in June 16’s Thunderdome 42 co feature. Fano Kori has been in the ring with the whos who of the Super Welterweight division down under and will be a litmus test for Laruccia who has been eyeing out a prize fight with Nikita Tszyu. This will mark Laruccia’s inaugural Thunderdome Main Event while Kori will be involved in his 3rd with a record of 1-1-1 in Main Events.

 

The co-feature event will see Australian resident by way of Nigeria Kazeem “The African Dream” Soyoye (6-1, 4 KOs) lock horns with Indonesia’s’s Rivo “The Renegade” Kundimang (9-5, 5 KOs) in a 6 round lightweight contest. Soyoye was last in action on Dragon Fire Boxings: Thunderdome 42 June 16 with an emphatic victory over “Big Daddy” Deddy Imprax stopping his opponent in 2 rounds extending his win streak to 3 wins from fights

 

Returning to the Thunderdome is Millad “The Monster” Farzad (4-0, 3 KOs) and puts his undefeated record on the line with fellow undefeated Butahan Boral (3-0, 3 Kos) in what expected to be a war of attriction as both former come forward, toe to toe elite Kickboxing World Champions have promised that this fight wont go the distance.

 

Three state titles are also on line, highly touted Super Welterweight contender Jude Grant (3-0, 1 KO) challenges Turkish Boxer Bahtiyar Sonyol for the WA State Championship.

 

W.A Super Bantamweight Champion Richard Lockett takes on Emmanuel Micaleff for the State Featherweight Championship.

 

Also on the line will be the Womens State Lightweight Championship with Katelyn Stack challenging Tara Enoka.

 

“Pocket Rocket” Sarah Higginson will take on Filipina Renz Dacquel over 6 Rounds.

 

Former first grade cricketer Ryan Daye will return also against durable international challenger Bima Prekosa.

 

Kicking off the televised card will be Joel Lewis taking on war horse Habib Kherikah.

 

The show will be hosted by esteemed broadcaster CJ Rose and will be joined as always by Brett Bonetti and Paul Morison.

 

Promoter Tony Tolj discusses the upcoming card:

“Im pumped for this show, I thrive on seeing the next generation of fighters coming through and Laruccia vs Kori is going to tremendous match as trajectory test for both competitors.

 

The return of Millad (Fazrad) is exciting, he refused any discussion of an “easy” fight and is taking on a tough undefeated Turkish Warrior that has based himself in Thailand in preparation for this war.

 

Jude Grant has another great fight, Joel Lewis will have his first Thunderdome appearance against Habib who is always in a war. Ryan Daye coming back, add 3 State Championships on top and what you have is another great night of fights and im sure it will be a September to remember.”

 

Fights will be live on FITE.TV

 Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Photo Courtesy of: Victor Lin Used with permission.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

NOONGAR BOXER ALEX WINWOOD SOLIDIFIES "UNHEARD OF" RISE WITH NO.2 RANKING IN HIS CLASS

Press Release July 20, 2023 By Dragon Fire Boxing and Jarred Cross- Noongar boxer Alex Winwood has climbed to no.2 in the World Boxing Council's strawweight ratings, earmarking a push to get his hands on a world title in the division.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

 

WBC's ratings released this week places Winwood behind only Mexican fighter Luis Castillo on the list of challengers to interim champion Yudai Shigeoka and world champion Panya Pradabsri.

 

"This is very special and brings me so much closer to my dream of being a world champion," Winwood wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

 

This time last year the 26-year-old was yet to enter the ring as a professional.

 

Just three fights in, Winwood's manager Tony Tolj said it's an "unheard of" trajectory into the elite.

 

The International Boxing Federation has Winwood at no.8 and World Boxing Organization at just outside the top ten at no.11 in their latest ratings.

 

"To be honest, his rise is unheard of. There's no other boxer really on this planet, apart from Lomachenko (Ukrainian multi-time, multi-weight class world champion and two-time unified lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomanchenko), that's had three fights and is number two in the world. It's just unbelievable," Tolj told National Indigenous Times on Tuesday.

 

"But it's a testament to him. He only wants to fight the best - and in boxing you can't always fight the best but we've managed to get the highest rated fighters in front of him"

 

His manager said the stratospheric rise comes in large-part to taking on, and moving past, much more experienced opponents.

After bursting onto the scene, Tolj said the WBC quickly wound back any of their concerns about giving an unknown fighter chances at big fights when they realised, as he put it, "this guy is the real deal".

 

In his pro career so far, Winwood has wrapped the Western Australian light flyweight, WBC International Light Fly and WBC International minimum weight belts around his waist.

 

The latest came after shedding off a couple of kilos from his already slight frame - a decision Tolj sees as a thoughtful approach towards he and trainer Angelo Hyder's aim to produce a world champion within six fights in Winwood.

 

Should he get there, Winwood would be the fastest Australian man to do so.

 

In a sport of fine margins, light fly see's a lot of bigger builds cutting down to the class with an inch of two extra of height and reach.

 

That variance might have contributed to Winwood's less dominant amateur record.

 

Tolj said his man is now "licking his lips" at minimum weight.

 

Winwood has said he has no intentions of taking on "taxi drivers" in the ring, with his management's eyes also on climbing up the ladder again for his next bout.

 

"We're looking at everyone above us and now that's Castillo. We've instructed Alex just yesterday to 'mate, start looking at footage of him,'" Tolj said.

 

"Ideally we plan to stick with the WBC as they've looked after us, but we've got an eye on every single champion out there with the IBF, WBA and the WBO."

 

A mild-mannered man, Winwood defied the brash convention's often associated with someone in his job and at his level.

Tolj said he identified something in him from early on. Not just in professionalism and intent, but as something well worth putting time into and for others to keep an eye on.

 

"The sky is the limit with him (Winwood)," Tolj said.

 

"He's got a very good personality, and he's actually enjoyable to spend time with. And the way that he's always looking out for other people, not just himself is a breath of fresh air into boxing."

 Material Courtesy of: Jarred Cross Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Winwood Remains On Fast Track Towards Challenging For A World Title

Boxing is truly a unique sport in many aspects. One among them is the fact that every fighter's journey is different and the path that a fighter hopes to follow towards the goal of becoming a world champion will vary depending on the fighter. While most are likely of the point of view that a fighter should spend at least the first couple of years of their professional careers not only accumulating time in active competition in the ring in terms of building a record, but more importantly to use the time to gain valuable experience and develop their skillset. 

Credit: Tony Tolj/Dragon Fire Boxing 

For a select few however, the path to a world championship can come quickly and there are those who are able to reach a world championship fight before reaching their tenth fight as a professional. Some notable names among that select group include Vasyl Lomachenko as the most recent example of a fighter who won a world title before reaching his tenth pro fight and has subsequently gone on to win multiple world championships in several divisions, and the late Leon Spinks, who in just his eighth fight as a professional, shockingly dethroned the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1978 to win the Heavyweight championship of the world, just to name a few. 

The fighters who are able to accomplish what is truly a rarity remains a limited select group and most are probably of the opinion that most fighters that accomplish that goal of becoming a world champion with a limited number of professional fights are either fighters that are simply in the right place at the right time, or in the case of Lomachenko, prove to be a true generational talent that rarely comes along. There is however, a fighter who has quickly emerged that could well be on his way to joining that select list. Enter Alex Winwood.

Winwood, a native of Bunbury Australia, has skyrocketed on the fast track towards potentially adding his name to that list. Competing in Boxing's lowest divisions, Winwood turned pro in November of last year and in just two fighters won the WBC International championship in the 108lb. Light-Flyweight division. Although some may not understand the purpose of titles of a regional nature, the important thing for fighters is more often than not, holding a title like an international title for example, often carries with it a top fifteen ranking in a sanctioning organization's ratings. For his third professional fight, Winwood moved down in weight to the 105lb. Minimumweight division, which is also referred to as the Strawweight division.

Winwood's opponent would be the undefeated WBC international champion Reyneris Gutierrez, who was ranked number five in the world by the WBC in the Strawweight division. While that statistic should be viewed as the significant step up that it was for Winwood, who entered the fight held at Metro City Nightclub in Perth, Australia on June 16th as the main event of Dragon Fire Boxing's Thunderdome 42 card, rated number fifteen by the WBC, it is important to note that his previous international title win at Light-Flyweight came against Tibo Monabesa, a fighter that was competing in his twenty-sixth professional fight compared to Winwood's second. Given that Winwood entered this fight having knocked out both of his previous opponents, the possibility of being intimidated by a fighter in Gutierrez, who entered the fight unbeaten in nine professional fights, was likely not an issue seeing as he had just scored a knockout win over a more experienced Monabesa in his last fight.

This would nevertheless prove to be a test for Winwood. From the opening bell of the scheduled ten round bout the two fighters engaged in combat at a high pace, something that is common for bouts fought in Boxing's lowest divisions. The ebb and flow generally consisted of Gutierrez throwing hooks and trying to catch Winwood as he came forward.

While several of the rounds in this fight appeared close due to both the pace in which it was fought as well as both fighters being able to have their share of moments in many of the same rounds, there was one thing that stood out that as the fight progressed proved to be the difference. Winwood's lateral movement including his head movement throughout was stellar in being able to make Gutierrez miss, land short, compact combinations, and use his legs to evade and over time dictate how the fight was being fought. In just his third fight as a professional, Winwood was also able to show the ability to take a punch when he needed to. Something that can remain a question for fighters who have had more experience in the professional ranks than he has had up to this point. 

It was this strategy that Winwood was able to implement as well as scoring a knockdown in the fourth round by landing a perfectly timed counter left hook to the head that dropped Gutierrez, that ultimately resulted in his being able to score a convincing decision victory to move his record to 3-0, with 2 Knockouts. In addition to responding well to when he was pushed by Gutierrez, this victory also accomplished something that is also rare for a fighter with only three pro fights. He showed the stamina and ability to go ten rounds in a competitive fight, which is something that will likely benefit him as he moves forward from here.

Credit: Tony Tolj/ Dragon Fire Boxing 

Whether or not Alex Winwood does indeed add his name to the select group of fighters to have won a world championship within the first ten bouts of their professional career. After defeating a top five contender and turning in a solid performance in the process, it may be a question of what opportunities are available in either the 105lb. Minimumweight or 108lb. Light-Flyweight divisions that might decide how soon the opportunity to fight for a world championship might come. Off of this performance, the Boxing world should be keeping a keen eye on whatever the next step for Alex Winwood might be.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

Photos Courtesy of: Tony Tolj/Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

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Multi-Time Chilean Amateur Standout Daniel Uribe Signs with Dragon Fire Boxing

 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

s Release: July 19, 2022 By Dragon Fire Boxing – 

Multi-time Chilean amateur standout has signed a long-term deal with Tony Tolj's Dragon Fire Boxing.

Uribe comes from a host of standout South Americans and joins Tolj's ever-growing international stable that includes global stars Andrew and Jason Moloney amongst others.

Uribe discussed turning professional and outlined his hopes moving forward. He said, "Turning professional with Tony Tolj, who is a great leader of men is a wonderful blessing in my life and I thank God for this and my team in Chile who have made this possible.

"I won 3 national titles and the WBC amateur tournament at 56 and 60kg, so I want to continue that success in the professional side of the sport. I want to be the future of boxing and I want my name to be printed in history. 

"Tony has done an amazing job with Andres Campos who is from Chile also, so I want to follow in his footsteps and move quickly into the world ratings. I was 37-3 as an amateur and I hope to continue that success as a professional." 

Uribe will be guided by Australian boxing architect Tony Tolj who weighed in on his latest signing, "Daniel is another quality addition to our stable and I am delighted to have him.

"He is a fun fighter to watch and is definitely a television standard fighter. That's what we all want to have as part of our stables, so I want to bring him along the same way we did with Andres Campos and continue to put Chile on the boxing map."

Multi-time Chilean amateur standout Daniel Uribe signs with Dragon Fire Boxing

Multi-time Chilean amateur standout has signed a long-term deal with Tony Tolj's Dragon Fire Boxing.

Uribe comes from a host of standout South Americans and joins Tolj's ever-growing international stable that includes global stars Andrew and Jason Moloney amongst others.

Uribe discussed turning professional and outlined his hopes moving forward. He said, "Turning professional with Tony Tolj, who is a great leader of men is a wonderful blessing in my life and I thank God for this and my team in Chile who have made this possible.

"I won 3 national titles and the WBC amateur tournament at 56 and 60kg, so I want to continue that success in the professional side of the sport. I want to be the future of boxing and I want my name to be printed in history. 

"Tony has done an amazing job with Andres Campos who is from Chile also, so I want to follow in his footsteps and move quickly into the world ratings. I was 37-3 as an amateur and I hope to continue that success as a professional." 

Uribe will be guided by Australian boxing architect Tony Tolj who weighed in on his latest signing, "Daniel is another quality addition to our stable and I am delighted to have him.

"He is a fun fighter to watch and is definitely a television standard fighter. That's what we all want to have as part of our stables, so I want to bring him along the same way we did with Andres Campos and continue to put Chile on the boxing map."

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit Dragon Fire Boxing’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.  

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

Thunderdome 38 Results From Metro City In Perth, Australia

 

In a rematch for the vacant Western Australia State Jr. Middleweight championship, Fano Kori scored a fifth round knockout of Joe McCoy in the main event of Dragon Fire Boxing’s Thunderdome 38 event on Friday night at Metro City nightclub in Perth, Australia. A rematch from one of the best fights of 2021 last December at Thunderdome 37, which received global attention due not only to what was an exciting bout, but also the fact that there was a rare double knockdown in the midst of a battle that saw both fighters score knockdowns of each other before the rarity occurred in what was scored a draw by the official judges. This time, the fight was fought at a more measured pace, which favored Kori who used lateral movement and a consistent jab to control the tempo of the combat. Gradually Kori’s approach visibly frustrated McCoy who became more aggressive as the bout progressed. Unfortunately for McCoy, his aggression played into Kori’s strategy as the bout increasingly became a solid Boxing performance by Kori.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

 

While it seemed that Kori was on his way to what would be a convincing unanimous decision in the scheduled six round bout, he had other ideas. Lat in the fifth round Kori connected with a right hand to the head followed by a flush left hook to the jaw that sent McCoy down for the ten count. McCoy tried to make it to his feet, but was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:32 of round five. Fano Kori advances to 8-5-1, with 5 Knockouts. Joe McCoy falls to 1-1-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a bout for the vacant Australian State Cruiserweight championship, undefeated Glen Austin out boxed veteran Nick Xipolitas over six rounds to win the championship via unanimous decision. Glen Austin advances to 8-0, with 2 Knockouts. Nick Xipolitas falls to 4-13-2, with 1 Knockout.

 

Middleweight Jude Grant successfully made his pro debut by a first round stoppage when his opponent  Paul Gould apparently injured his shoulder when attempting to duck underneath one of Grant’s punch and iy appeared as though Gould's shoulder inadvertently contact with Grant’s chest. The injury was immediately apparent and the bout was stopped due to Gould being unable to continue. Official time of the stoppage was :54 of round one.

 

Light-Heavyweight Daniel Stewart needed just 1:14 to stop Michael Te Pou. A barrage of unanswered punches put Te Pou on the canvas in a corner. Although Te Pou tried to get up the bout was stopped.  *Records for both fighters in this bout are unavailable as of this writing. This article will be updated with the appropriate record information if/when made available. *

 

In a Middleweight bout for the Alan Pond Cup unbeaten prospect Jordan La Ruccia scored a four round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Habib Kheirkhah. Kheirkhah began the fight extremely aggressive and pushed La Rucccia back consistently.  In round two, LaRuccia found his rhythm and began to gradually out box Kheirkhah.  It was late in the round that a short overhand right dropped Kheirkhah and La Ruccia was able to secure the decision victory.  Jordan La Ruccia advances to 3-0, with 1 Knockout. Habib Kheirkhah falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Light-Heavyweights Ahmed Almady and Luke Armstrong fought to an entertaining four round split decision draw to begin their respective careers. From the opening bell tge two fighters traded heavy hooks and the momentum continued to shift between the two in what was a closely fought contest where neither fighter was able to stand out from the other. Luke Armstrong advances to 0-0-1, with 0 Knockouts.  Ahmed Almady advances to 0-0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

 

In a clash of Middleweights making their professional debuts, Josh Izatt scored a four round majority decision over Liam O'Connor. Izatt landed some hard hooks in the first two rounds and was able to withstand a rally by O’Connor in rounds three and four to earn the majority decision to start his career unbeaten.  Josh Izatt advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts.  Liam O’Connor falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

The evening began with two exhibition bouts, in a Middleweight exhibition bout Bahityar Sonyol scored a three round unanimous decision over Daniel Desierto. In a Super-Middleweight exhibition bout, Ryan Daye scored a three round unanimous decision over Joshua Macpherson.

 

The thirty-eighth installment of promoter Tony Tolj’s Dragon Fire Boxing’s popular Thunderdome series continued in what has become a tradition of providing a solid mix of well-matched bouts as well as showcasing fighters at various stages of their respective development. While this card, much like the one that proceeded it last December faced some struggles created in part by the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, the series continues to thrive and this observer has no doubt that another entertaining evening of Boxing featuring some of the best up and coming talent the Australian Boxing scene has to offer will occur when Thunderdome 39 takes place later this year.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

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Alex Winwood Links Up With Tony Tolj, Moloney’s, Eyes Commonwealth Games Success

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

 Press Release: March 11, 2022 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Decorated Australian amateur star Alex Winwood has linked up with Tony Tolj headed up Dragon Fire Boxing as he readies himself for a Gold medal attempt at the Commonwealth Games. 

 

Winwood has stood out in the amateurs, and gets set to embark on the pro ranks in the near future. The Australian native discussed his link up with Tolj and Dragon Fire.

 

He said, “Australian boxing is buzzing, everyone is doing well and it’s great to see. I’m so happy to be working with the team I’m working with right now and I know it’s the right choice to get me ready for the Commonwealth Games and the professional ranks.

 

“Since I signed with Tony Tolj a lot of doors have opened for me. From a training and a career progression viewpoint, I’m heading in the right direction and I’m surrounded by some amazing talents such as Andrew and Jason Moloney. It’s been a massive blessing for me heading into the Commonwealth Games.”

 

Winwood has joined the Moloney camp and the now Gold Coast based Winwood opened up on working with Australias Dynamic Duo the Moloney twins with contrasting styles.

 

Winwood stated, “Everyday is a learning day in boxing when you’re around the right people and I certainly am. I’m learning so much from working with Andrew and Jason. They’re great fighters and just as great human beings.

 

“Andrew is a top class boxer, he’s an elite level fighter that can prepare you for anything from a pure boxing standpoint. He’s a former world champion, you don’t win world titles if you can’t box it’s a simple as that. I fully expect Andrew to become world champion again.

 

“Jason has that aggression and strength which isn’t really normal for the competition I have faced. He has elite level attributes as a pro, and it’s virtually impossible to find someone with those skills to work with on a daily basis. I’m very grateful I have the opportunity to work with the brothers and I fully expect them both to be world champions in 2022”

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit Dragon Fire Boxing’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Thunderdome 38 Rescheduled For May 20TH In Australia

 

Credit: Tony Tolj

Per promoter Tony Tolj of Dragon Fire Boxing, the recently postponed Thunderdome 38 event, which was originally scheduled to take place on March 18^th at Metro City Nightclub in New South Wales, Australia, will now take place on Friday, May 20^th. The postponement of the card came as a result of legislation changes in limiting capacities to 150 people in nightclubs and other indoor events in Western Australia due to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic. 

We will have more information on the rescheduled Thunderdome 38 event as it becomes available.

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ANDRES CAMPOS RETURNS TO ACTION IN CHILE, DEC 4, AIMS TO SET UP WORLD TITLE FIGHT IN 2022

  

Press Release: October 30, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Chilean standout Andres Campos is geared up for his ring return, as the highly touted 112 pounder looks to set himself up for a world title clash in 2022. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

 

Campos sits high in the world ratings, as he currently holds regional titles with both the WBO and WBA, placing in prime positions to challenge of the champions, with Japan’s Junto Nakatani being one of Campos’ targets.

 

The Chilean Crocodile, who is guided by Australian boxing monocrat Tony Tolj, discussed his ring return on December 4.

 

Campos said, “I am so happy to be back in the ring. The COVID period has not been easy for professional boxers, but my team have made a big effort to keep me busy, including traveling to the United States of America to spar Andrew and Jason Moloney. That was a fantastic experience.

 

“Now I get back in the ring and I look to show everybody that I am ready to challenge for a world title. I have to continue to show that I am improving and that I can genuinely challenge fighters like Nakatani and get into the ring knowing I can win.”

 

Campos has held numerous titles as a professional whilst gaining multinational experience due to his affiliation with Tony Tolj’s Dragon Fire Boxing.

 

The Chilean opened up about his plans to go international.

 

“I’ve travelled a lot as a professional already for camps, so going overseas doesn’t concern me when it comes to fighting. I always go into fights looking for the knockout, so I don’t think about overseas judging. I just come to win in style in every fight I have.

 

“I would love to go to Japan to challenge Nakatani. He is a great champion. However, right now my focus in on December 4, and putting on a show for my supporters here in Chile. I am very blessed to have great support in Chile so I need to give them a show they will remember. After December, I am happy to go to Japan, America or wherever to become champions.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit Dragon Fire Boxing’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Thunderdome 36 Results From Metro City, Perth, Australia

 

CREDIT: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Unbeaten Heavyweight Dylan Winter scored a brutal fourth round knockout over Ryan Williams to win the Western Australian State Heavyweight championship on Friday night at Metro City Nightclub in Perth, Australia. In what was the main event of promoter Tony Tolj’s Dragon Fire Boxing’s Thunderdome 36 event saw the two fighters engage in what could be described as a brawl early. For a period of time, Williams was landing hard right hands over a jab on Winter. As Winter began to get his own jab going however, the momentum shifted and he was able to gradually accumulate punishment on Williams, the end came when in the midst of a barrage of punches, Winter decked Williams with a flush left hook to the head that sent him flat on his back on the canvas. Although Williams was very “Game” in trying to get up from a knockdown that frankly would have ended the night for most fighters on the receiving end of that kind of punch, he staggered badly once he got to his feet and the bout was justifiably stopped. Dylan Winter advances to 4-0, with 2 Knockouts. Ryan Williams falls to 1-3, with 1 Knockout. 

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Matt Floyd scored a first round knockout of veteran Ivan Kolar. Floyd dropped Kolar with a left hook to the body early in the round and ended up sealing the knockout victory by dropping Kolar for a second time with a follow up body shot moments after the first knockdown. Official time of the stoppage was 1:37 of round one. Matt Floyd advances to 3-0, with 1 Knockout. Ivan Kolar falls to 1-10, with 1 Knockout.

 

A bout for the vacant Women’s ANBF (Australian) Bantamweight championship saw undefeated Sarah Higginson score a fourth round stoppage of a debuting Danni Mace. A fight that was fought at a very high pace from the opening bell saw Higginson gradually wear her opponent down in route to a fourth round stoppage. Official time of the stoppage was 1:02 of round four. Sarah Higginson advances to 3-0-1, with 1 Knockout. Danni Mace falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

In a battle for the vacant Western Australia State Featherweight championship unbeaten Ty Narkle score a four round technical majority decision over Richard Lockett. A competitive fight from the outset, where both fighters had their share of moments, the bout was halted at the conclusion of four completed rounds of the scheduled eight round contest due to cuts suffered over the eyes of Narkle that were deemed caused by an accidental clash of heads. Official scores were 39-37 (On two scorecards), and 38-38. Ty Narkle advances to 2-0, with 1 Knockout. Richard Lockett falls to 3-2, with 2 Knockouts.  

 

Debuting Jr. Middleweight Joe McCoy scored a first round knockout of previously unbeaten Michael Warren. McCoy dropped Warren hard with a left hook, right hand combination to the head. Warren was able to get up, but had no defense for the follow up barrage from McCoy and the bout was stopped. Official time was 2:15 of round one. Joe McCoy advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout Michael Warren falls to 1-1, with 1 Knockout.  

 

In an exhibition Light-Heavyweight bout Curtis MacClean scored a first round stoppage of Jyve Jolvar. Official time of the stoppage was :45 of round one.

 

Heavyweight Lewis Clarke scored a second round stoppage over a debuting Jake Cull. A slugfest from the outset where there was no technique, Clarke eventually got to his opponent in the second round by knocking Cull down with a left hook, right uppercut combination to the head. Despite going down hard, Cull was able to beat the count, but the effects of both fatigue as well as the punishment Clarke was dishing out led to a second knockdown from a barrage of punches. Cull appeared to indicate after getting up from the second knockdown that he did not want any more, but the fight continued until it was stopped at 1:59 of round two when both fighters went to the canvas from what appeared to be a tackle. Lewis Clarke advances to 2-1, with 2 Knockouts. Jake Cull falls to 0-1, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight Jordan La Ruccia scored a first round stoppage of Harlem Ottaway. La Ruccia appeared to stagger Ottaway in the opening seconds with a series of jabs and unleashed a near all-out assault from there mixing offense to the head and body. La Ruccia dropped Ottaway with an overhand right and although Ottaway managed to get up at the count of nine, he simply had no answer to stop La Ruccia and after a follow-up barrage the bout was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:28 of round one. Jordan La Ruccia advances to 2-0, with 1 Knockout. Harlem Ottaway falls to 0-2, with 0 Knockouts.

 

The evening began with two exhibition bouts that saw in a Middleweight bout, Mehdi Al Munssary score a three round decision over Kris Mauriere This was followed by Light-Heavyweight Nelson Cosmas scoring a three round decision over Ryan Dave.

 

Dragon Fire Boxing has established itself as one of the top promoters in Australia and it’s popular Thunderdome series has served as a platform for rising prospects on the Australian Boxing scene. Since the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic began, many promoters have had difficult for obvious reasons in staging events that would otherwise comprise of a normally full Boxing schedule regardless of where they may be based throughout the world. A casualty of that unfortunately is many young fighters who are in the crucial development stages of their careers have seen their progress delayed or outright stalled due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control. Series like the Thunderdome series are vital to the growth and overall success of the entire sport. One can only hope that the circumstances of the COVID-19 virus and subsequent crisis finally improve where promoters around the globe can finally resume activity akin to normal. As for the Australian Boxing scene, we will see what happens when the next Thunderdome event takes place and whether the prospects that appeared on this card at varying levels will be able to take the necessary next steps in their development towards being contenders.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Thunderdome 36 promotional poster courtesy of Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

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THE TALES OF BOXING'S QUARANTINE KING - AUSSIE BOXINGS TONY TOLJ

 

 Press Release: September 25, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing /Story By Chris Glover – Tony Tolj has experienced likely every challenge that global travelling has during the last two years, with his charges Andrew and Jason Moloney signing with global boxing leaders Top Rank just prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. 

Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing

The Moloney's have travelled back and forth to the USA for camps, culminating in fights with Joshua Franco, Josh Greer and the arguable pound for pound King Naoya Inoue. With Tolj based in Western Australia, and the Moloney's on Australia's Gold Coast, it hasn't been the easiest of tasks 

Tolj discussed some of the issues he's faced over the last two years. He said, "I've spent a total of just under 6 months in quarantine since the pandemic commenced. Human beings are social creatures, so keeping them locked up isn't good for their mental and physical health in general. The hardest part for me has been, being stuck in hotels with no ventilation and no fresh air for two week stretches.

"I live in Perth, Western Australia, so after doing two weeks in a hotel then I spend another two weeks at home which is very difficult. Two weeks isn’t too bad mentally but getting into week three and four is bad. I run a business, and I have to stay switched on for that. Nights begin to turn into days because you're not functioning as a human naturally so your sleeping goes everywhere. It's a complete nightmare, literally."

As previously stated, the Moloney brothers have been involved in some elite level clashes over the last 2 years, with Andrew Moloney having three fights with Joshua Franco for the WBA world super flyweight title being one of the most high profile contests in the lower weights globally. The Aussie boxing baron Tolj recollected the issues he faced during that fight from a travel standpoint.

Tolj said, "The worst stretch was after the disappointment of the phantom headbutt in Moloney Franco II fight. I then had to do two weeks in a hotel and two weeks at home. What's made it worse was the domestic borders were then open then, so I went back to Sydney a couple days later for Bruno Tarimo vs Paul Fleming which was a draw due to a head clash. Bruno was up on the cards prior to the stoppage. I was there for 4 days and then there was a COVID detection in Sydney's Northern beaches. So there was a lockdown then. I then went to the Gold Coast for another fight and there was another head clash but the fight continued and Ty Payne won. 

"After all that I went home and had to do another two weeks home quarantine where it is strictly enforced. So basically six weeks out of seven weeks was in some form of quarantine, and technically I was in seven of the eight weeks as I was in the bubble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It's torture for me right now, and I keep thinking of we are the champions by Queen in my head, I’ve done my sentence but committed no crime but after I get out of this quarantine I roll straight into Dragon Fire Boxing's Thunderdome 36 event at Metro City, Perth. No more sad stories hopefully, just proper ones!"

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/ Story By Chris Glover/ Photo Courtesy of: Mikey Williams/ Top Rank Boxing Used with permission.

 

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Andrew Moloney Weighs In On Potential Ioka Clash, Manager Tolj Adds

 Press Release: September 9, 2021 By Team Moloney – Andrew Moloney is already eyeing another showdown for the world title, as he sets his sights on Japanese legend Kazuto Ioka.  

Credit: John Worsfold

 

Ioka recently made another successful of his WBO world crown, which is his fourth defense of the belt that made him a four weight world champion. 

 

Ioka was made to work for his victory against the very game Mexican Francisco Rodriguez Jr. 

 

Moloney gave his thoughts on Ioka’s defense and weighed in on a potential clash between the pair.

 

“I watched the Ioka fight and thought it was a close fight. I thought Rodriguez started the fight well but Ioka finished stronger and was landing the cleaner punches through out the last half of the fight. 

 

“I would absolutely love the opportunity to fight Ioka. Ioka is a legend of the lighter weights, a 4 division world champion and a future hall of famer but its a fight I truly believe I can win. I really hope we can make this fight happen as soon as possible. 

 

“A win over Ioka would be huge for my career so that’s the fight I want and I will be doing everything I can to make it happen. If that means traveling to Japan to fight him I am happy to do that. I have nothing but respect for the great champion, and I would love to challenge for his title.” 

 

Moloney’s manager, Australian boxing baron Tony Tolj gave his thoughts on a perspective showdown between two of the best super flyweights on the planet. 

 

Tolj said, “I really like this fight not just for Andrew but as a boxing fan. Andrew has admitted he has worked hard and learned a lot from his experiences in the USA, and this is a fight that really gets the interest of the proper boxing fans especially in the likes of Australia and Japan, who understand the skills of the fighters in the lighter weights. 

 

“For me Ioka is a legend. An amazing fighter. Our team have all the respect in the world for him. Respectfully, Team Moloney would like to challenge him for his title, as we believe this would be a great fight, especially in Japan. Andrew and his brother Jason have showed they are not scared to travel, and we look forward to hopefully making this fight in the future.” 

 

Material Courtesy of: Team Moloney/Photo Courtesy of: John Worsfold Used with permission.

 

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Aussies "Big Scorpion" Miles Zalewski Making Big Moves Down Under, Hires Advisor Tony Tolj

 Press Release: July 19, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Zalewski 9 wins 1 loss was a top amateur with over 100 fights and collecting 80 wins. Adding New Zealand Silver Medalist National Titles along the way as well as x4 State Champion QLD, x4 Golden Gloves Champion Aus.  

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Zalewski is a former Professional Australian National Lightweight  champion in his earlier pro years. Then making a comeback after taking a 4 year hiatus from the sport and knocking out TC Priestly who was at the time, current Australian Super Featherweight champion in a Australasian Knockout of the year Contender. 

Zalewski opened up about his thoughts on joing global juggernaught Dragon Fire Boxing in an advisory capacity. 

"I’m very fortunate to have the right team and management this time around as I was ill advised in my early professional boxing years. I’m confident having Tony Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing as my boxing path decision makers and management, we will achieve the goals we set out to make!" 

I’ve loved my time at All Stars Boxing Academy in Australia and I arrived at the right time. When I returned from my 2 year hiatus in Thailand, Liam was the only professional boxer and then I came along. I’ve witnessed the growth of the gym within the space of 2 years and the club has evolved big time. A lot faster than we all anticipated. That’s credit to all of our success combined. But Benny is one of the best trainers in Australia as his student mentality and hunger to learn more is his key to the clubs expansion. He understands and speaks to our unique differences and his communication with us all even during in the toughest of times, is what strengthens the connection between himself and his fighters. This is what makes the sport so special and not a lot of trainers get it. It’s a natural relationship that's cultivated over time. Benny is a special person and I see nothing but good coming his way and he’s still so young! I predict big things for ALL STAR BOXING ACADEMY! 

Being a professional athlete is already in itself a difficult lifestyle to manage and maintain high performance all year round, let alone being a professional boxer. This is an individual sport where we have to generate our own funds to make the dream happen. My manager Oxmar Properties Phil Murphy takes away those stresses and allows us to focus primarily on training which in turn, fast tracks the journey to becoming a world champion. I have so much to be thankful for and even after my boxing career is done and dusted, Oxmar Properties Phil Murphy will always go down as one of the important people who made it all happen and he will now work together with Tony Tolj and I can't wait for the future as all the pieces in the puzzle are now alligned! 

This point in my career is the best I've ever felt physically. Ive been boxing for almost 12 years plus and I get to really tap into my potential properly nowadays. Ive always been behind the 8 ball. Being a New Zealand citizen it was difficult for me to make the national team as I couldn’t compete for Australia and because my amateur career all began in Australia, when I competed to make the nation team in NZ, I was like a foreigner there who was overlooked and unwelcome. I feel the professional game has given me the freedom I need in order to go where I want and let alone all the political twists and turns, I believe my ability will win me the rewards I’ve set myself to achieve in this boxing journey. 

This is a sport where it's almost like overnight success. But of course that can only be achieved with years of work to get you there. I love this game. I love what I’ve learnt within the ring and outside of it. The people I’ve met and the opportunities I've attracted from the sport. It only excites me for what’s coming up ahead! I would love to share the ring with top 10 boxers and measure up my skills against some of the worlds best! 

I’m at a stage where I have full faith in my boxing skill, physical condition and mental fitness to defeat all the big names domestically and globally and I can't wait for the future. 

Advisor Tony Tolj opened up on his thoughts on his latest prominent to his vast Global Boxing stable. 

"I'm looking forward to working with Miles Zalewski and I see great potential. We have built a great team with Zalewski, with leading boxing trainer Ben Harrington and manager Oxmar Properties Phil Murphy together as a unit I'm 100% confident we can achieve great things and at this stage in his career, we strategically acquire the rights fights and the Big Scorpion will Sting all the Super Featherweights who step foot in the ring with him.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit Dragon Fire Boxing’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

“ THE DYNAMITE KID” MITCHEL STAPLETON READY TO EXPLODE AUGUST 14

 Press Release: June 12, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Australian prodigy “The Dynamite Kid” Mitchel Stapleton has not stopped training during the global pandemic and is eager to add to his perfect professional record two wins undefeated with two 1st round devasting Knock-Outs. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

 

The Nambucca Heads native , has been patiently waiting for his comeback fight which has been 18 months in the making with many fights falling through. Stepleton was originally set to return as a featured contest on a Tim Tszyu bill early this year but opponent Ricky Collisimo declined the challenge after initially agreeing.

Stapleton is now set to return  on the 14^th of August in Nambucca Heads New South Wales in the headline fight.

“The Dynamite Kid” spoke up recently about his time away from the ring and his upcoming fight.

“It feels really good to have my next fight date set, and even better its in my home town.  I will admit it has been frustrating to not been fighting, Im ready for anyone, anywhere, anytime.

 

August 14 I’m looking to showcase all the hard work I have put in the past 18 months and show Australia and soon the World that the Dynamite Kid can bang with the best.

 

I know one day I will be World Champion, and my time will come, but as the old saying goes, I have to clean out my backyard first.

I respectfully would love to get into a position to Challenge ANBF Australian champion Andrew Hunt.

I know my manager, The Big Boss Man, Tony Tolj, will get me the opportunities. He’s the best in the world, look at what he and the Moloney twins have accomplished.

 

Andrew and Jason are my boxing idols, and to be guided by the same team is an absolute honor, and I’m reading to show the world The Dynamite Kid is ready to Bang!”

 

Leading global boxing manager Tony Tolj gives his thoughts on Stapleton as well.

“Mitchel is a class act, I know how frustrated he must be, as I have had so many opportunities which resulted in opponents requiring new underwear after initially agreeing to the fight and forwhatever reason the fights haven’t eventuated. The Prime focus is to get “The Dynamite Kid” in the ring and getting the rounds in.

 

Mitchell is a great kid, undefeated with 2 fights for 2 1^st round KOs, 5x time National Champion. He’s only 22, but I know the dedication he puts into boxing and his time will come”.

 

I’m very pumped to see him return in the ring, and his future will just go BANG!,” Tolj stated.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit Dragon Fire Boxing’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.