Everything went to script for Josh McCulloch as he successfully defended his MASA 58kg national title on Saturday.
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The Muay Thai fighter put his Martial Arts Sports Association title on the line against Sydney fighter Sean Lightford in Punchbowl, claiming victory with a fourth round stoppage following a barrage of leg kicks.
It was all part of McCulloch and coach Scott Chaffey's plan for the headline bout which was McCulloch's first defence of the amateur title.
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"I think the fight on the weekend was one of Josh's toughest to date. His opponent is quite a well known fighter from a strong Muay Thai gym in Sydney," Chaffey said.
"We did our homework and came up with a very good game plan and the results were there on the weekend.
He added: "There's nothing more rewarding from a coach's point of view when things you practice in the gym pay off in the ring."
The fourth round stoppage win continued an unusual trend that is beginning to emerge or McCulloch.
"The crazy thing about it is when he initially won the Australian title, he won that by a fourth round stoppage as well," Chaffey said.
McCulloch is now looking to step things up another notch.
Chaffey said they were in negotiations with promoters for another MASA title fight.
"From here, the next challenge is: we're looking at having Josh go for a South Pacific Muay Thai title," Chaffey said.
McCulloch was joined at the fight night by fellow Chaffey's Black Belt Academy members Liam McKillop and Zac Wheatley.
While Wheatley went down against Michael Orphin, McKillop took on Amir Alhirz and scored his first win.
It was McKillop's fourth time entering the ring.
Chaffey said it was "a cracker of a fight" and a special moment for the team.
"He was over the moon, the little fella," Chaffey said of McKillop.
"You couldn't wipe the smile off his face. It was a very magic moment for us all.
"The great thing is, all the guys pulled up great. Josh was back training this morning [Monday] and they'll all be back in this afternoon.
"It was very fortunate that none of them got any major injuries."
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