As previously reported, Danny Green has beaten Anthony Mundine in the final clash of their bitter boxing rivalry.
Green won via a majority decision at Adelaide Oval on Friday, exacting belated revenge for his 2006 loss to Mundine. The 43-year-old West Australian triumphed in a desperately tight fight, which the judges scored 94-94, 96-94 and 98-90, in what is expected to be the final fight of both boxer’s careers. Green capitalised on his weight advantage of up to four kilograms against Mundine, his strength countering Mundine’s trademark speed in a largely even bout.
Both fighters will pocket up to $10m each from the bout between the four-time world champion Green and three-time world champion Mundine. And while both are past their prime, the end to their bitter rivalry was watched by the second-largest pay-per-view television audience reported in Australia – eclipsed only by their stoush 11 years ago.
Earlier on the undercard, Wallabies star Quade Cooper maintained his unbeaten record as a professional boxer with a knockout victory. The Queensland Reds playmaker floored Jack McInnes in the second round. Cooper now has three consecutive wins in his pro career – all by knockout – after out-muscling an opponent more renowned for his mixed martial arts skills.
McInnes, who had also been knocked out in his previous two pro boxing fights, was felled by several consecutive head punches from Cooper, who will now return to preseason rugby training with the Reds.
Tim Tszyu, the son of hall of famer Kostya Tszyu who unified three world titles, also won his bout on the undercard. The middleweight made it two consecutive victories in his professional career after notching 33 wins and one loss in his amateur one. The 22-year-old stopped South Australian Mark Dalby in the third round of their bout, winning by a TKO after pounding his opponent from the outset.
And former AFL player Shane Tuck won the opening fight of the night, defeating Ivan Kolar in a points decision. Tuck, the son of Hawthorn great Michael Tuck, claimed a unanimous points win against Kolar in his second pro bout.