Local prospects deliver at Mooney Valley
Leading Melbourne promoter Brian Amatruda in conjunction with Peter Iannazzo put on an eight-fight card at Mooney Valley Racecourse featuring some of Melbourne finest boxing talent. The main-event was a state title matchup between popular local boy "Big" Pat Rullo (8-1, 1 KO) up against tough Bohol-import Jurland Ceniza (6-17-1, 3 KO's).
From the outset the fight was fought at a very fast past which was set by Rullo who was fighting for the second time under the astute guidance of new trainer Ray Giles. Rullo had a very high success rate on Ceniza in the opening round as he looked to unload all sorts of punishment on Ceniza.
The tough Filipino survived the early onslaught from Rullo and came back to even momentarily stagger the local favourite several times in the second round with some big looping overhand rights. From the third round onwards it was smooth sailing for Rullo who displayed a complete kit of punches en route to an eight round unanimous points decision.
Judges Peter Flaherty, Chris Anderson and Brett McCormick all had Rullo ahead by margins of 78-73 and 80-71 twice.
In the semi main event of the evening, undefeated Daniel “Babyface” Iannazzo (12-0, 1 KO) scored a close but clear majority points decision over one of the Bohol’s newest and busiest imports Flash Villacura (22-23-1, 11 KO's) over six rounds.
Iannazzo, 21, who was having his second fight under new trainer Sam Soliman showed great footwork and fast hands early on as he outpointed his shorter opponent over the first two rounds. However, over the final four rounds Villacura began to smother a lot of Iannazzo’s punches and seemed more eager to smother his opponent’s shots rather than let off some of his own, this was a cause of great frustration for Iannazzo who clearly wanted to pick his opponent of from range rather than get caught in a grabbing contest. Overall the fight was a great learning experience for Iannazzo who looks set to have a very busy July with two fights already booked in following two other fights from the previous two months.
Judges Peter Flaherty and Chris Anderson both had Iannazzo a clear winner at 58-56; however judge Tom Davis couldn’t separate the two fighters scoring the bout 57-57.
In the other main talking point of the night, Australian super-bantamweight champion "Mighty" Mark Quon (6-2, 1 KO) won a unanimous points decision over new Bohol import Roel Mangan (13-12-1, 3 KO's). Quon came into the fight having unanimously outpointed Flash Villacura at a Sunshine promotion last month and was looking to impress once again.
Mangan holds a majority points win over knockout sensation Ranee Ganoy and was definitely no slouch. However, Quon picked his opponent off from range and landed some great hooks to the head and body throughout the six round contest and was a clear unanimous points winner.
Another great night of fights held by Brian Amatruda who's next big promotion will be televised live on One HD on July 30th and will be featuring Sam Soliman in an IBO World Title Eliminator against the undefeated Osumanu Adama
Results:
Pat Rullo UD 8 Jurland Ceniza
Daniel Iannazzo MD 6 Flash Villacura
Kim Heta TKO 2 Kevin Karusa
Jimmy James MD 6 Paul Coppleman
Mark Quon UD 6 Roel Mangan
Kane Watts TKO 4 Shane Tilyard
Friday Nwaiwu UD 4 Stephen Gilligham
Arnold Pelman D4 Jeffrey Croswell