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SYDNEY - As expected Anthony Mundine made a successful return to the ring last night, outclassing Argentine Jose Alberto Clavero to retain his WBA super middleweight world title in a one-sided fight at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
Bookmakers, experts, even casual observers gave 15th-ranked Clavero no chance of causing an upset and the fight went according to script, with two-time world champion Mundine knocking the Argentine out in the fourth round of the scheduled 12-round bout.
The Australian remained in control throughout against a spirited and often hyperactive opponent who hadn't won a fight in 18 months and was well short of the class required to trouble Mundine.
The title-holder opened a nasty cut over Clavero's left eye early in the third round and the inevitable occurred a short time later, the South American dropped to the floor 2mins 14secs into round four.
In front of a healthy crowd that included former AFL superstar Ben Cousins and a host of other sporting celebrities, The Man improved his record to 30 wins and three defeats with 23 knockouts, while Clavero suffered his sixth defeat from 34 fights.
Mundine also demonstrated he had fully recovered from his serious eye infection, although he admitted afterwards he had been extremely anxious about stepping back into the ring for the first time in six months.
"This was probably my most nervous fight since I started boxing," he said.
"People don't know what I've been through.
"I've been a long time out of the ring, six months, with a horrific eye injury.
"I felt pretty good, a bit rusty but that's expected."
Clavero tried to force the tempo in the initial stages, but it quickly became obvious the South American lacked the power, speed and polish to trouble the home-town man.
Mundine started cautiously, even nodding approval when Clavero landed a couple of blows in the second round, but the outcome was never in doubt.
The Man now has a host of opportunities in front of him, including a possible step up to light heavyweight for a re-match with Danny Green, who will fight for his own world title this Sunday against Stipe Drews.
"Green Machine, (if he) wants to bring it on and get his arse whipped, come see me," Mundine said.
It was Mundine's second successful defence of his current title since he knocked out Sam Solimon for the vacant WBA belt back in March.
As well as Green, a clash with undisputed super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe is now a step closer, although the outspoken boxer will likely have to make one further title defence before the big money fight with the undefeated Welshman is realised.
- AAP
