AussieBoxer's blog
First Masters Boxing Fight Result
Today I lost my first Masters Boxing Fight by TKO referee stoppage in the first round.
My opponent was taller, heavier, faster and came at me hard from the opening bell.
I countered and landed some clean shots, but these did not faze him, and he just kept up a barrage of combination punches.
I kept my form and composure, but the referee stopped us and gave me a standing-eight count. I indicated I was fine and wanted to fight on. I managed to slip under a straight right I saw coming but stumbled a bit moving to my left, which allowed him to throw another barrage, trapping me in a corner. I was trying to weave my way out of the corner when the referee stopped the fight.
I don't feel hard done by. I believe the referee thought we were mismatched and stopped the fight before I could get hurt, so he was doing his job.
My trainer said he thought my opponent, although fighting in the Cadet category (no previous Masters matches), probably had an extensive amateur boxing record, judging by his skill level. I was also fighting at the lower end of the welterweight division, which at Masters Boxing ranges from 65.1 to 72.5 kg. I would say my opponent probably outweighed me by 10kg. I have done well sparring against taller and heavier opponents, but a competition fight is another thing altogether, and competitive fight experience was what I was lacking.
I am sporting a bit of colour under my right eye, but I was examined and given the all-clear by the ring doctor after the fight, and I feel fine, physically and mentally. In fact, I feel very good.
I have done something I would never have dared do not all that long ago.
I am in the best shape of my life, and enjoyed a glass of riesling, a veal scallopine limone and nutella profiteroles for post-fight dinner with my friends/fellow competitors/sparring partners and our trainer. Goodbye weight-cutting! None of us will return to Adelaide with gold medals, but this has been a wonderful experience for us all.
The standard of the Boxing at these Masters Games was outstandingly high. I return home a better boxer and person.
rowdybear (46 )
11/02/2024 2:37 PMI am so impressed by you and proud of you for taking on this challenge. You have done well. Enjoy the rest of the games - you had your first competitive fight, that is no small feat! Congratulations!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/02/2024 3:25 PM(In reply to this)
Thanks, my wonderful friend
realboxer (44 )
11/02/2024 2:55 PMYou are a hero!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/02/2024 3:28 PM(In reply to this)
I do feel transformed into someone a bit different from the person I was yesterday...and the ring announcer didn't do too badly pronouncing my name! ;-D
germanboxingman (11)
11/02/2024 3:08 PMGreat respect for your 1st Masters Fight.
Miss match is always a problem. If a later starter is boxing a former amateur boxer.
Thats the reason I prefer privat matches, more respect.
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/02/2024 3:32 PM(In reply to this)
Mismatches sometimes happen. That's boxing. I have huge admiration for how professionally and well this event was organized. It was a tremendous experience for me to have competed in it, and the training has put me in the best shape of my life and has made me a better boxer.
germanboxingman (11)
11/02/2024 3:47 PM(In reply to this)
perfect ...
flexboxer (77)
11/02/2024 3:41 PMProud of you! Takes courage to do this and you put yourself out there.
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:13 PM(In reply to this)
Thank you. Focus for next year is on putting on 10kg of muscle, keeping up boxing training and sparring, and international travel for work as well as MF fun. TX in my sights yet again as I have unfinished business in Houston and the Gulf Coast!
Will have another crack at this amazing Masters thing in 2026.
TomTag (0)
11/02/2024 3:48 PMYou’ve inspired me and many others with your dedication and commitment. You have given us hope and allowed us to join in your journey. Immensely proud of you! Keep it up. You are not done by any stretch. GOOD ON YA!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:14 PM(In reply to this)
Thank you. TX is in my sights for next year!
TomTag (0)
11/07/2024 12:40 AM(In reply to this)
Love to meet you in person!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/07/2024 9:52 AM(In reply to this)
Watch this space...
dadwrestle (340)
11/02/2024 3:50 PMMan, thank you for sharing this with us! I am so in awe of you stepping into this sort of thing. Many, many congratulations!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:16 PM(In reply to this)
You are my inspiration, mate and legend. Showing us all how it's done since way back when.
Boxing will (0 )
11/02/2024 4:30 PMSpoken like a champ, nothing compares to a real sanctioned competitive fight, ref, judges, and the crowd. From every fight we all learn something positive and negative.
What we do with that makes us all better competitors in boxing.
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:18 PM(In reply to this)
Thank you. Can't wait to get in the ring with you.
Cross-hook Man (23)
11/02/2024 4:45 PMNo shame in your effort or the result. I think the vetting process in making sure your opponent’s experience was in line with yours was a bit suspect. USA Boxing does account for previous overall experience in combat matches. But it’s not perfect, either.
Again, kudos to you for stepping between those ropes and answering the bell. No regrets.
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:23 PM(In reply to this)
My trainer and I thought he had previous amateur experience based on how he fought, but when I had the great chat with him the next day, as outlined in my Epilogue, I found out that was not the case. He was simply better than me for this fight. No excuses, no regrets.
Thank you for your kind words.
Cross-hook Man (23)
11/05/2024 1:48 PM(In reply to this)
Glad to hear that. And it’s great to know that you experienced the opportunity to met your opponent afterwards and experience the ‘fraternity’ that’s masters boxing.
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:59 PM(In reply to this)
He was generous and candid. What he told me about the fight from his point of view, and about his background and Masters Boxing journey, helped me gain a broader perspective and gave me a lot of encouragement moving forward. It was a wonderful way for me to take my leave of the event venue and start my journey home.
Predator (11)
11/02/2024 6:13 PMYou may have “lost” the fight but it is a true victory to have done it at all! Congratulations on seeing it through. It is an accomplishment you should be proud of.
As Willie Pep once said: “The steps to ring can not be built strong enough to hold the crushing weight of a coward”.
You did what most would never do 🥊
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:28 PM(In reply to this)
So, Willie Pep was an artist with his words as well as with his sublime boxing skills - who knew? Look forward to meeting you in the New Rochelle ring one day.
chicagowrestbox (25 )
11/02/2024 7:01 PMBravo. Inspiring….
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:29 PM(In reply to this)
Thank you. Hope we can glove up when I am next in Chicago, where I have had some fantastic boxing in the past.
sid (66)
11/02/2024 8:30 PMResults are secondary, the journey is at least as important! You stood there as another man than let’s say a year ago. Perseverance, dedication: you should be very proud of yourself!!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:30 PM(In reply to this)
Hartelijk bedankt!
JiminQueens2 (51)
11/02/2024 8:45 PMYou'll get him next time, bud!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:34 PM(In reply to this)
We both agreed that we'd love to fight each other again, but he plays a lot of other sports, and he said this was one thing among many on his bucket list! ;-P
boxingjohn (9 )
11/02/2024 11:07 PMVery proud of you! You worked hard and learned a lot from this experience, wish you the best for what comes next
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:37 PM(In reply to this)
Gracias, amigo! Mucho suerte tambien pera tu vida en el boxeo!
Long for this (19)
11/02/2024 11:50 PMMan what an inspiration you are… not just for fellow boxers but for all men & boys! To have the guts & drive to achieve what you have done is something that’ll be with you forever!!! Heartiest congratulations & I hope one day to be able to shake your hand !
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:38 PM(In reply to this)
I hope one day to shake your hand too...after we Fight!
CambsWrestler (26)
11/03/2024 9:38 AMWell done for stepping in there and taking on this challenge. You should be very proud of yourself for doing it! I have so much respect for you.
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:39 PM(In reply to this)
Thank you. I have not forgotten about the birdwatching! ;-)
Tanker (206)
11/03/2024 2:01 PMWell done you! Guess you faced any boxer's nightmare scenario. Shame you didn't get someone closer in size and experience!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 1:43 PM(In reply to this)
It was a choice of take on someone with more fight experience at lightweight or take my chances with another newbie in the very broad welterweight category (65.1 kg to 72.5 kg). I made the decision to stick to the welterweight division I'd registered for, in consultation with my trainers. Them's the breaks!
NCStarfox (10)
11/05/2024 2:25 AMCongrats Mr Roo!! Very proud of you for your accomplishment in this endeavor. I know you worked so hard for it. Well done sir! Appaws!!
AussieBoxer (44 )
11/05/2024 4:35 AM(In reply to this)
You are something special, Mr Fox!