Tamworth boxer Michael Hamilton remains undefeated in his professional career after being crowned the NSW Super Featherweight Champion in Canberra recently.
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In a feat few fighters have achieved in the last 30 years, Hamilton now holds the state title in two different weight divisions after claiming the NSW lightweight title earlier in the year.
Taking on local Canberra boxer Ben Dencio, the weight of support at the Hellenic Club of Canberra was mostly with Hamilton’s opponent, who was also undefeated in his professional career
After weighing in 300 grams over the super featherweight limit of 58.97kg’s, Denico was ordered to cut the weight and given time to make the weight limit, which he did on his second attempt.
The bout, which was scheduled for eight three-minute rounds saw plenty of action from both fighters from the opening bell. Hamilton was content to stay on the back foot and counter his opponent as he came forward while Dencio was very patient and hard to hit at times, showing skill and head movement.
After an accidental head clash, which opened up a very large and deep cut over Dencio’s eye, the referee called the ringside doctor to inspect the wound. With the cut bleeding into his eye, the decision was made to stop the fight. Hamilton also received a cut to the top of his forehead but it was superficial by comparison.
Having completed sufficient rounds, the decision went to the judges.
All three awarded the fight to Hamilton, who had won every round before the doctor and referee stopped the contest.
Hamilton will now have to decide which title he will vacate, as the governing body of Professional Boxing in Australia the Australian National Boxing Federation (ANBF) only allows a boxer to hold one NSW title at the same time.
“At this point in time, it will probably be the NSW lightweight title that he will relinquish, as a rematch with Dencio in Canberra as the first defence of his title might be on the cards,” his trainer Paul Saunders said.
He will now enjoy some much needed time off after a lengthy training camp to prepare for the fight.
“I didn’t stop training and dieting at all after winning the lightweight title because this opportunity came up so quickly,” Hamilton said.
I didn’t stop training and dieting at all after winning the lightweight title because this opportunity came up so quickly.
- Michael Hamilton
“I usually like to have a break between fights because my family and I sacrifice so much when I am in training for a fight, but I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to become a two division NSW champion.”
