Paulo Aokuso ensured the fans at Panthers Leagues Club went home happy on Wednesday night, edging a narrow points victory over Clay Waterman.
Aokuso did enough on two judges’ cards, while the third couldn’t split the pair (97-93, 96-94, 95-95), who faced off in the ring for the first time in the pros after five amateur bouts.
“Sweet P”, who hails from western Sydney, started strongly, playing up to his fans at times, looking to pick off Waterman with single shots from range for the most part.
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Having split their amateur meetings 3-2 in favour of Waterman, it was clear the light heavyweights were a good match for each other and that trend continued in the paid ranks.
Highly skilled and adept at fighting on the inside as well as at distance, both boxers had moments of success throughout.
Waterman enjoyed a big round eight, landing several power shots to elicit oohs and ahs from the crowd, although Aokuso appeared to shake them off well enough.
Two back-to-back left hands early in the final round swung the momentum in Aokuso’s favour, prompting the former Olympian to press the action and leave an impression on the judges.
The win moves Aokuso to 8-0, while Waterman drops to 13-2, although his stocks certainly didn't take any significant damage.
Earlier, the card had been thrown into chaos hours before it was due to start when Kris Terzievski, who was scheduled to face Tyson Pedro in the main event, flew back to Melbourne amid a contract dispute with the promoter.
In the co-main event, exiled former NRL player Curtis Scott maintained the winning start to his professional boxing career, improving to 4-0 with a hard-fought win over ex-All Black Liam Messsam.
Scott went the distance for the first time and faced some real adversity late in the fight, admitting he was drawn into a slugfest by the more experienced Messam.
Now boxing full time, Scott suggested a matchup with former UFC welterweight title challenger Darren Till could be in his future.
Earlier in the night, unbeaten prospects Zeke Campbell and Jacob Clenshaw remained so, fighting to an entertaining majority draw.
Here's how it all went down:
Paulo Aokuso vs. Clay Waterman updates and results
Curtis Scott remains unbeaten with win over Liam Messam
The battle of the former footballers went the way of Scott, who took out a 39-37 points victories on all three judges' cards, improving to 4-0.
In doing so, Scott handed Messam, an ex-All Black the first loss of his nine-fight professional career.
Jacob Clenshaw and Zeke Campbell fight to majority draw
The second draw of the evening sees Clenshaw and Campbell go the distance (57-57 x2, 58-56 Clenshaw).
Both fighters showed impressive skills and gas tanks, going at it for six fast-paced rounds.
Alex Leapai Jnr. remains unbeaten with knockout victory
Leapai Jnr improved his record to 4-0, with all wins coming by knockout.
The son of the former world title challenger was too good for a brave Damien Johnson, eventually forcing the stoppage in the third round, the second knockdown of the fight.
Sylvana Touma and Kaitlyn Lodge split entertaining draw
Touma and Lodge, the sister of rugby league firebrand Matt Lodge, couldn't be split (58-56, 57-57, 56-58) after six action-packed rounds.
Kenny Niko defeats Laitia Yalikitoga via unanimous decision
A willing heavyweight contest opened the night, with Niko overcoming a game Yalikitoga.
Both men left it all out there but perhaps came out the gates a little keen, running on empty for the final couple rounds.
What time is Paulo Aokuso vs. Clay Waterman?
- Date: Wednesday, November 20
- Start time: 6:30pm AEDT
- Main event: 10pm AEDT (approx.)
The first fight of the evening is set to kick off at 6:30pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 20.
Expect Aokuso and Waterman to step into the ring for the new main event around 10pm AEDT, depending on the length of the undercard fights.
How to watch Paulo Aokuso vs. Clay Waterman
- Live stream: Stan Sport
The Aokuso vs. Waterman event is available exclusively on Stan Sport in Australia at no additional cost to existing subscribers.
Paulo Aokuso vs. Clay Waterman fight card
Bouts and order subject to change.
Kris Terzievski vs. Tyson Pedro; bridgerweightCANCELLED- Clay Waterman vs. Paulo Aokuso; light heavyweight
- Curtis Scott vs. Liam Messam; heavyweight
- Zeke Campbell vs. Jacob Clenshaw; welterweight
- Alex Leapai Jnr. vs. Damien Johnson; heavyweight
- Sylvana Touma vs. Kaitlyn Lodge; super welterweight
- Kenny Niko vs. Laitia Yalikitoga; heavyweight
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