Boxing: Future in the ring hinges on vital fight

By Peter Jessup

Anthony Bigeni hops in the ring this weekend for the first time since his shot at a world title last December, his bout against Australian up-and-comer Jamie Myer a crossroads in his career.

Should he lose his Pan Asian light heavyweight belt to a fighter 10 years younger, the 34-year-old may find it hard to find worthwhile opposition let alone motivation to continue.

Myer, with a 13-4 record and one draw since going pro and the Pan Asian Boxing Association second-ranked contender, has already been installed by many as favourite. But he has only four KOs among his wins and Bigeni's trainer, Mike Edwards, believes his fighter can take anything Myer can throw.

"He'll be coming out to take us on with fitness and youth but he'll find Anthony's southpaw style difficult," Edwards said.

Bigeni has not fought since his world title bout with Richard Hall in Atlantic City was stopped in round three because of a cut over his eye, but Edwards said he was "fit, with a head like a piece of rock, and ready to go."

Also up for grabs in the 12-round contest at the Mandalay in Auckland on Sunday night are Bigeni's Australasian and New Zealand light heavyweight titles.

In an interesting match on the undercard, former Olympic and Thai kickboxing champ Rocky Khongram, now resident here, takes on former WBO welterweight champion Jeff Malcolm from Australia.

Khongram is still making his way in the pro boxing ranks but had more than 300 fights in the kickboxing ring. A slugfest is likely against the veteran Malcolm, still smarting from his loss to Sean Sullivan last time he was here.

New Zealand heavyweight titleholder Kipa should not have trouble extending his 27-23-2 and two draws record against Fijian champion Waisiiki Ligaloa.