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FEATHERWEIGHT DUO SET TO
TEST FENECH DOWN UNDER
Friday 7 June 2002
When it was announced in early April that Australia's Jeff Fenech would be fighting in the International Boxing League's Featherweight division, the general consensus was that the Sydney Olympics bronze medallist would be the class fighter in the league's Asian World Championship qualifiers. There didn't appear to be anyone else in the region to match his talent, so that opinion seemed reasonable enough.
Fast forward to today and the situation is not so clear cut, because a pair of previously unknown teenage Featherweights have put their hands up at the IBL's Sydney Entertainment Centre selection trials this week.
17 year-old Johnny Famechon has shown a toughness and boxing intellect that will serve him greatly during the upcoming tournament. Born in Paris, France, his family moved to Australia when he was five. Famechon started boxing as an amateur when he was just thirteen and his performances at this week's trials have shown the benefit of experience.
Born and raised in the inner Sydney suburb of Millers Point, 18 year-old Albert Griffiths has dazzled observers with what has been called a "masterful defense".
"I don't think I've ever seen a fighter with so much defensive skill," said IBL Chief Director Raymond Bell. "The way he's able to evade punches while pretty much standing on the spot is incredible. Some of his opponents couldn't get near him. It was really something to see. But he's got speed in those fists of his, also. Not that strong, but in his case, I don't think that matters. Guys couldn't hit him, and they had trouble avoiding his punches, which is a winning combination."
Since the commencement of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation's World Championship and 1st Defense tournaments back in early January, these past five days have probably been the busiest period for the sport. Besides the IBL's selection trials (now in their fifth week) and the federation's usual daily fight cards, the HBF has also been staging their own selection trials or "auditions" as they call them, where fighters will be drafted into their upcoming Qualifying League. It's a great time for boxing, to say the least.
Australia's biggest HBF chance Peter Jackson will be back in the ring on Monday night against the Englishman Bruce Woodcock. The card will take place at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, extending boxing's latest stay in Australia. Having wrapped up his training on Wednesday, Jackson has enjoyed his visits to the SEC during the past two days and is excited about what Australia will offer the IBL.
"That Light-Heavyweight from Melbourne is just plain nasty," said Jackson. "Somogyi, I think his name is. Just an incredible puncher, really. I haven't seen too many guys with that type of ability to connect with their shots. The guy is like a sniper. I spoke to him a little and there's a lot to the guy. Just a really positive, confident vibe coming from him."
Indeed, the fellow Jackson was refering to is 22 year-old Melbourne native Mark Somogyi. Having stepped onto the platform at Central train station on the Saturday before the trials started, the Light-Heavyweight is at the top of the list amongst those who've shown their talents during these past five days. As Jackson said, Somogyi possesses a distinct punching ability. During his trial bouts, scouts have estimated that he's landed close to 68% of punches thrown, head and shoulders above anyone else.
(to be continued)
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