BOXING action returned to the spotlight in the Blue Lake city on Saturday night, when Barry Nilsson hosted his Border Challenge Fight Night.
The event showcased 15 fights inside a marquee in the Jens Hotel carpark, which allowed spectators a close-up view of some quality competition.
While the Victorians claimed the bragging rights over South Australia, it was Mount Gambier’s Riley Wiese who reclaimed the 63kg South Australian title.
Wiese challenged current holder Mohammad Jafari for the belt – which he had held himself on two occasions – and after an impressive win, the belt returned to his possession.
“I was pretty stoked with the win,” Wiese said.
“I probably could have done a few different things in training and performed a bit better, but I suppose a win is a win.”
After three two-minute rounds, Wiese thought he had done enough for the win, but it did not take away from the excitement of his glove being raised.
“It took me a bit to get into it,” he said.
“At the start of the first round I kind of thought ‘this is going to be a bit hard’.
“But by halfway through the second I was pretty confident in my ability to win and at the end of the third I was pretty sure I had won.”
Wiese was the only win for Nilsson’s gym on the night, but with four of his six fighters making their debut, it was still a strong collective effort.
Youngster Vahahn Schofield found himself up against a taller and heavier opponent in his eighth career fight, which was stopped by the referee in the second round.
“He gave away 2.5kg just to get the fight and that probably proved the difference in the end,” Nilsson said.
“Vahahn got stopped in the second round – just the reach and a little bit of extra weight got the better of him.”
In his debut, Jake Brown put on a show, but could not quite make the distance in his first bout.
“Jake was fighting a bloke who was having his fourth fight,” Nilsson said.
“He put up a great effort.
“He got stopped halfway through the third round, but I thought the referee was a bit harsh.”
Brenton Davies also impressed, making his debut against a fighter with six bouts already under his belt.
He kept at his opponent for the full three rounds, but lost on a split decision.
Up against a fighter six years his senior, 18-year-old Liam Whitty put in a valiant effort, but was stopped in the second round.
Jay Ropitini rounded out the Nilsson fighters and he showed great improvement as his fight went on, but could not overcome his opponent.
Despite the results, Nilsson said each of his fighters are eager to redeem themselves when they next step into the ring.
“It was all a learning curve for these guys,” he said.
“They are all keen to get back in the ring.”
Nilsson deemed the night a complete success and thanked the support from sponsors and all those who helped make the night happen.
“It was an outstanding success,” he said.
“All together with competitors and spectators there was 400 people there.
“It was a good crowd jammed into a tent – the atmosphere was absolutely electric.”
Nilsson also thanked his wife and family for their support.
As for Wiese, he will take a break for the rest of the year, before returning to the action in 2020, where he hopes to secure a few early fights.
“We will see what happens I suppose and whatever opportunities come up,” he said.
“Hopefully I can have a few fights early on next year and if there are any opportunities to go away then we’ll take that on.”
Nilsson said there is a chance Wiese could go away to the Australian Championships in 2020, while he will also be required to defend his SA title throughout the year.
“We will probably have to defend it a few times over the year, with whoever challenges me,” Wiese said.
“I will see how long I can keep it for.”
Wiese has to accept any challenges for his title or he will be forced to give up the crown.
“I have to accept the challenge or hand it in – and I am not handing it in,” he said.
