Now lets re-assess the Oz heavyweight scene

[roscoe]

Over the past few months we have seen some fights sort the men out from the boys from the Oz heavyweight scene.

Hoppa chewed more off than he could with McCall & gone in 2 only to rebound & defeat Big Bob yet again in a tragic fight. Haumano got ktfo by a debutant only to get a disq victory. Leapia is struggling to beat the jap fighter who Fitzgerald beat. And now Tupuo gets ktfo by a fighter who owns more L's on this record than W's.

Does anyone still believe they are serious threats to anyone on the world scene. I don't!

[Kegsy]

Over the past few months we have seen some fights sort the men out from the boys from the Oz heavyweight scene.

Hoppa chewed more off than he could with McCall & gone in 2 only to rebound & defeat Big Bob yet again in a tragic fight. Haumano got ktfo by a debutant only to get a disq victory. Leapia is struggling to beat the jap fighter who Fitzgerald beat. And now Tupuo gets ktfo by a fighter who owns more L's on this record than W's.

Does anyone still believe they are serious threats to anyone on the world scene. I don't!
i dont think any serious threats on the world scene either unfortunately.
Heaps of good local matchups could happen tho...leading to perhaps the best of the lot being a fringe contender.

[COULDHAVEBEEN]

Though he's getting on, Kali Meehan is probably still our best IMO.

Then you've got the potential of Mark De Mori, and even though we've only seen 2 rounds of explosiveness from Ben Edwards, they've resulted in Hoppa and Leuii being put to sleep. So he's one to watch if he chooses boxing ahead of his so far preferred, kick-boxing.

Overall our talent is thin on the ground in the heavies, pretty much as usual really.

[the beaver]

Australia has always struggled on a world scene for heavyweights

Reminds me of that double page spread in the Daily worker ...... oops i mean telegraph that had Les Mason as a future HW champ :patsch

[buster007]

les mason still has time on his side.

don't give up yet beaver!

[MiracleMan]

The Way I See It:

- Best Heavyweight : Kali Meehan (The title shot seems another year away and he may retire by then?)
- Best Prospect : Ben Edwards

- Contenders :
John Hopoate
Solomon Haumono
Alex Leapai

At the current rate Haumono seems to be on the decline. Leapai put in a dissapointing last performance. All 3 are very close to each other at this stage. Although Hopoate has improved a fair bit in the past two years and i think he would account for both of them. And i would also tip Edwards to beat Leapai, Hopoate and Haumono, considering he fought another 4-5 fights before taking them on.

[COULDHAVEBEEN]

The Way I See It:

- Best Heavyweight : Kali Meehan (The title shot seems another year away and he may retire by then?)
- Best Prospect : Ben Edwards

- Contenders :
John Hopoate
Solomon Haumono
Alex Leapai

Agreed MM.

It'll be a real pity if Edwards doesn't give the kicking away and have a real crack at boxing. He said on another thread that he can make more kicking, and unfortunately he's probably in that situation where he needs rounds boxing but the money isn't there to entice him to do them.

Until he proves otherwise Edwards is an awesome prospect.

[Hmmm]

The Way I See It:

- Best Heavyweight : Kali Meehan (The title shot seems another year away and he may retire by then?)
- Best Prospect : Ben Edwards

- Contenders :
John Hopoate
Solomon Haumono
Alex Leapai

At the current rate Haumono seems to be on the decline. Leapai put in a dissapointing last performance. All 3 are very close to each other at this stage. Although Hopoate has improved a fair bit in the past two years and i think he would account for both of them. And i would also tip Edwards to beat Leapai, Hopoate and Haumono, considering he fought another 4-5 fights before taking them on.


U think Ben Edwards is a better prospect than Mark De Mori? Or just think Mark no longer fits into the "prospect" category?

[ashley]

Ben caught Hoppa sweet....lets not get too hyped on this just yet.

If he takes a few more fights against top 10 aussies and wins then we can jump on the train.

I still think Alex and Mark are our best bet....only time will tell if they can make a dent on the world stage.

[leati]

The Way I See It:

- Best Heavyweight : Kali Meehan (The title shot seems another year away and he may retire by then?)
- Best Prospect : Ben Edwards

- Contenders :
John Hopoate
Solomon Haumono
Alex Leapai

At the current rate Haumono seems to be on the decline. Leapai put in a dissapointing last performance. All 3 are very close to each other at this stage. Although Hopoate has improved a fair bit in the past two years and i think he would account for both of them. And i would also tip Edwards to beat Leapai, Hopoate and Haumono, considering he fought another 4-5 fights before taking them on.:lol: thats all i've got to say :lol:

[Francis75]

Aussie Heavyweights -

On the local scene there could be some good matchups against each other. Most of them would win some, lose some against each other.

On the world scene they would all get badly found out even against average opposition. They are no better than journeymen on the world scene i'm afraid unless you see things differently like that deluded fool Johnny Lewis.

[ranser]

They would provide really good entertainment fighting each other though, but that's about as far as you can expect them to go.

[rongee90]

My Top 6 list

1.Kali Meehan-he's probably our closet OZ we've had to a heavyweight world title shot. Hopefully we get to see him against Valuev soon as time is running out for him.

2.John Hopoate-Although he lost to McCall, I think the fight gave him a wake up call and where he stands in regards to experienced boxers. I Still consider him a brawler who will be troubled by a experienced skilled fit boxer, but a well deserved win over veteran Mirovic (even though it was a ugly fight). Has progressed well for someone who hasnt been in the game long.

3.Solomon Haumono-Apart from his freak KO from Royce Sio, I think he is still a threat to local top 5 heavyweights. The Kirby fight coming up will be a good test.

4.Alex Leapai-I like his aggressive pressure style. Was a bit surprised by his draw with Masataka but in saying that, Masatakas reminds me of a Japanese version of David Tua. Big left hooker, big legs, which probably troubled Alex. Or maybe Alex was not mentally prepared...no excuse really.

5. Mark De Mori-He's had enough fights now to step up to some more experienced fighters. Personal I feel Hoppa, Solo, or Kirby would be a good matchup locally

6. Michael Kirby-Not a fan but a tough cookie who keeps coming forward.



Ben Edwards-Too early to give an opinion, but I think he is a good up and coming prospect. I'd like to see him fight someone who can box and with a bit more experience. Must remember Ben is a former kickboxer World Champ, not sure if its sanctioned by a world rated body or not but he obviously has the killer instinct. Would like to see how he goes over 4-6 rounds.

Les Mason-I don't think he really wants to box. Not committed

Others to also watch, Sosaia Funaki (big Hitter), ****** Whitehead (big test with Solo), Pieter Cronje, Adam Forsyth (don't knw whats happening with him)


You cant expect too much good quality matchups happening locally at the moment because there's just not enough heavyweights to go around unless you start bring in overseas opponents or head overseas as Mark, Kali and Bowie did.

[MiracleMan]

U think Ben Edwards is a better prospect than Mark De Mori? Or just think Mark no longer fits into the "prospect" category?

I think if Edwards dedicates 100% to boxing he will be in the US soon. The guy has pop in both hands. From what i have seen he has a solid chin. Hes reasonably quick. And he brings the fight. He didn't get a fluke shot against Hoppa. he dropped Hoppa twice.

Im not sure how there is more money in kick boxing for Ben. He could sell thousands of tickets in Canberra fighting monthly against some decent heavies.

I don't think anyone has it to cut it on the world stage. Meehan will struggle to hang with top 15 world rated fighters. The rest will also struggle. Conditioning and aerobic ability is against the contenders. They can hit. But the top heavies hit harder, take a better punch, and also give back 3 times the punches.

We can still have some exciting domestic match ups though.

P.S De Mori is good. But im part of the Ben Edwards fan club!

[MiracleMan]

:lol: thats all i've got to say :lol:

Its a forum. Please share your view.

[Watto]

our last recognisable heavyweight on the world scene was Kali Meehan,i cant even see where the next one will come from..Mark DeMori should give Hoppa a fair shake on the domestic scene as should homono

[Karlo]

Others to also watch, Sosaia Funaki (big Hitter),

Decent results so far, but I can't find any more info about him. What's his style and so?

And what about Royce Sio?
He looked rather fast and powerful until the freakish finish against Haumono. I also read that he stopped the decent amateur Steven Rudic in his debut. Can't he be someone for the future IF he can control himself.

/Karlo

[Guvner]

Im the current ISKA Super Heavyweight World Champion,not former,which the best the most well respected sanctioning body in the sport, equivelent to WBC in boxing. I am defending that title here in Canberra on 29/8 and i do sell thousands of tickets every other month when i fight kickboxing here in Canberra.

Im making a lot more money in Kickboxing than boxing at the moment so im going to do both for the time being. Before super boxer came around i was only getting offered $100 or $200 a round...not worth my time.

I will be on a Superboxer show by the end of the year and i want a tough opponent so stay tuned.

Ben Edwards

[the beaver]

Im the current ISKA Super Heavyweight World Champion,not former,which the best the most well respected sanctioning body in the sport, equivelent to WBC in boxing. I am defending that title here in Canberra on 29/8 and i do sell thousands of tickets every other month when i fight kickboxing here in Canberra.

Im making a lot more money in Kickboxing than boxing at the moment so im going to do both for the time being. Before super boxer came around i was only getting offered $100 or $200 a round...not worth my time.

I will be on a Superboxer show by the end of the year and i want a tough opponent so stay tuned.

Ben Edwards

G'day Ben nice to see you post here.

Mate you have looked very impressive in your 2 fight boxing career so far. My only problem is that if you are indeed 21yrs, i think you are probably carrying a couple of extra kg's if you don't mind me saying.

Just a couple of questions.

1. Are you 21yrs?
2. Have you always been that size?
3. Has Hoppa's camp approached you for a rematch?

Cheers

[COULDHAVEBEEN]

Im the current ISKA Super Heavyweight World Champion,not former,which the best the most well respected sanctioning body in the sport, equivelent to WBC in boxing. I am defending that title here in Canberra on 29/8 and i do sell thousands of tickets every other month when i fight kickboxing here in Canberra.

Im making a lot more money in Kickboxing than boxing at the moment so im going to do both for the time being. Before super boxer came around i was only getting offered $100 or $200 a round...not worth my time.

I will be on a Superboxer show by the end of the year and i want a tough opponent so stay tuned.

Ben Edwards

Ben, are you also on an upcoming card in Melbourne with JW & Angie Parr? If so, look forward to attending it.

How does your kickbox record read mate? wins/losses/draws?

[roscoe]

Honestly Ben how do you rate Hoppa as an opponent. Did you find him difficult at all albeit a very short fight to gauge, or did you see his short comings before the fight. He wants to rematch you like he wants fatal disease.

[Guvner]

Im 25 years old, dont know where 21 came from.

My weight has always fluctuated, I used to weigh 143kgs.

Who cares what i look like?? Its boxing not bodybuilding. Im as fit as any heavyweight out there. I fight better when im a bit fat, i like to have the extra weight behind my punch and the fat doesn't use up any oxygen like muscle does and i can carry it without affecting my fitness. I train as hard as anyone.

Hoppa is my mate and a tough guy but i think stylistically he is a good fight for me, we were supposed to rematch last year but i broke my shoulder and Hoppa broke his hand the same week.

Yeah im fighting on the Evolution 18 show on9/10 in Melbourne, im fighting K1 fighter Paul Slowinski, going to be a really tough fight.

My kickboxing record is 29F 21W 20KO 6L 2D

[COULDHAVEBEEN]

Yeah im fighting on the Evolution 18 show on9/10 in Melbourne, im fighting K1 fighter Paul Slowinski, going to be a really tough fight.

My kickboxing record is 29F 21W 20KO 6L 2D

Think 'Evolution' is at the State Hockey/Netball centre - will aim to be there.

Your career record is very impressive Ben, and makes it easier for us mainly boxing types to understand why you aren't confining things to boxing only.

[Hmmm]

I think you should get past Paul Slowinski without a problem. Just work on Combos with that guy.

You are right in that fat doesnt consume oxygen, but the general theory is that you're body has to lift that extra fat and therefore its the same as any thinner yet fit boxer carrying the proverbial bag of oranges.

Anything that causes the body to consume more energy than necessary will give you a disadvantage (this includes too much muscle too, ie. bodybuilder physique).

[Guvner]

Yes but everybody's body is different, im the same as an islander bodytype. I run 100m in 13sec and get 11 on the beep test so i can carry the weight without affecting my fitness and the extra 15kgs i carry is an extra 15kgs behind my punch.

Ive dieted down top 100kgs before and looked great and fought terribly, having low bodyfat does not help my performance. Its genetic, both my parents are big people my dad is 6'5 and 180kg so unless i diet stupidly im always going to carry a bit of fat.

I dont know why my apperance is such a concern for people...if i gas after one round because i ate shit and didn't train have a go at me all you want but if i eat big, train hard and peform who cares what i look like.

[ashley]

lets re assess the op of this thread.

alex leapai has been pretty sound of late. but he had a bad day and still got a draw...an undisputed draw...

the broncos, who have just smashed nsw for the last 3 years, got beat 56 zip by nobodies.

so i guess that means the broncos are talentless and will go no further?????

and you blokes listen to, and agree with fuck wits that post threads like this???????:lol:

:huh

[ashley]

Yes but everybody's body is different, im the same as an islander bodytype. I run 100m in 13sec and get 11 on the beep test so i can carry the weight without affecting my fitness and the extra 15kgs i carry is an extra 15kgs behind my punch.

Ive dieted down top 100kgs before and looked great and fought terribly, having low bodyfat does not help my performance. Its genetic, both my parents are big people my dad is 6'5 and 180kg so unless i diet stupidly im always going to carry a bit of fat.

I dont know why my apperance is such a concern for people...if i gas after one round because i ate shit and didn't train have a go at me all you want but if i eat big, train hard and peform who cares what i look like.

It will be good to see you go some rounds in boxing......dont worry about the weight if it works for you.....Aussies around here are looking for a "great white hope" and in their subconsious he needs to look like Klitschkos :lol:

[the beaver]

I don't believe anybody was having a go at Ben because of his weight, it was something that was pointed out and a simple question was ask directly to Ben regarding it. He has answered it and lets move on.

[ranser]

I can't believe so many people in the boxing game post on here, fighters and trainers included.

[Watto]

Good to see you on here Benny Edwards,u are a hard nut and ive got respect for you,il def be at evolution and hope you get over the line,watching Slowinski hes gonna chop the fuk out of your legs,i hope for your sake you can get the big kaboosh in bro..Very tough fight...

[Guvner]

Haha I hope i get the big kabosh too mate

Last time we fought i had a black leg and a limp for 6 weeks :(

[COULDHAVEBEEN]

Haha I hope i get the big kabosh too mate. Last time we fought i had a black leg and a limp for 6 weeks.

That doesn't happen in boxing Ben...

[Watto]

Yeah i saw the last fight plenty of ticker mate all the best for it bud...

[kostya by ko]

I don't think Tupou should let his loss to Demetrice King set him back too far. King has a lot more to him than his numbers suggest and a rematch at some stage in the future would be something for Tupou to look to. King is a complete contrast to Tupou on the experience front. King has been in with some really solid names and has come out with a UD against Kingpin, and went 8 with Michael Grant a couple of years back ... Bowie on the other hand has maybe fought one too many very easy fights and IMO was somewhat inactive in recent years up until this year. I've got Tongan friends so I've been hoping to see him make some waves.

How old in Ben Edwards ? In North East Asia various kickboxing comps are on free to air and there's a lot of money to be made for fighters based here (Japan especially).

Edit: Just read all the pages in this thread after making quick post above (I'm at work). Edwards is 25. Is fighting Paul Slowinski soon. Ustinov fought Slowinski in Seoul a few years back and used his bulk to hold the centre of the ring for almost the whole fight. Ustinov seems to have made the transition into boxing but has K2 East behind him. BTW: Canberra is a nice place, hav spent some time there ... cold in winter tho for Oz.

[COULDHAVEBEEN]

...How old in Ben Edwards ? In North East Asia various kickboxing comps are on free to air and there's a lot of money to be made for fighters based here (Japan especially).

Ben said earlier on (this same thread) that he's 25.

[kostya by ko]

Thanks. Yep, just went back and read the whole thread.