Geale vs Mundine II results: Daniel Geale toys with Anthony Mundine over 12 rounds

Over 3.5 years ago Anthony Mundine narrowly defeated Daniel Geale for the IBO middleweight crown. Mundine was considered past his prime back then and Geale is considered a better fighter today. Geale went on to become a unified world middleweight champion while Mundine went on to get knocked out by Garth Wood. Thus, the cards were stacked against Mundine going into this rematch.

However, Mundine did avenge his defeat to Wood and later won an interim world title at junior middleweight. But, Mundine never bothered to cash in on the opportunity of fighting Austin Trout for the regular belt. Instead Mundine opted to fight lesser opposition and call out the likes of Floyd Mayweather.

Then Geale upset long reigning champion Felix Sturm and Mundine saw a more feasible big money fight to make. He'd beaten Geale before, after all. Geale was initially against giving Mundine the opportunity, but money talks. Mundine is still a massive draw in Australia and there was more money for Geale to make against him than anyone else at middleweight. The fight made sense.

Unfortunately it turned out to not be very competitive. Right off the bat Mundine fought stiff, lacked head movement, and had slow reflexes. Geale was much more fluid with movements, used a superior defense, and let his hands go. Mundine was tentative round after round and looked like he was on his way out as early as round 3. It was clear his reflexes were shot. Geale landed the cleaner punches, the harder punches, and the most punches. Geale literally toyed with Mundine and clowned around, making light of how easily he was winning.

Mundine's best offense in the fight might have been the illegal elbows he used to try to keep Geale off him. Referee Robert Byrd warned Mundine over and over again, but never took a point. It was hardly necessary. It appeared Geale fought most of the fight more interested in embarrassing Mundine rather than knocking him out. It was not a difficult fight to score. Mundine made a late effort and had his moments, but clearly lost a wide decision. Nonetheless, Mundine celebrated as if he won after the final bell rang.

But after the scores were finally tabulated, which took a lot more time than it should have, Geale emerged victorious by unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, and 117-111). He now awaits the winner of Felix Sturm vs Sam Soliman or other lucrative fights in the United States. In his post-fight interview Geale said he has no preference as to who wins between Soliman and Sturm (who will become the IBF mandatory challenger). Because the WBA already stripped Geale of their title, he is unlikely to let history repeat itself with the IBF.

And just in case you care about what happens on twitter, Matthew Macklin is eager to fight Geale too. Personally I think that's a great fight, as is Geale vs Peter Quillin. To be honest Geale vs any live opponent is a good fight to make.

Televised Undercard:

Kevin Ferguson KO2 Shane Tilyard

The legend known as Kimbo Slice, despite never fighting respectable opposition in his pro boxing career, was in the co-main event of evening due to his popularity. And to be perfectly honest, the fight itself was well worth the billing. Round 1 saw both parties hurt badly multiple times in an all-out slugfest and round 2 saw a little more of the same (at a reduced pace) until Tilyard was taken out with a left hook to the body. Kimbo avoided a knockdown in both the first and second rounds by holding on and attempting to tackle his opponent to the canvas. Consequently Kimbo's trips to the canvas were ruled slips rather than knockdowns.

After the fight Kimbo said, "I didn't know Aussies were so tough...I can take a little. I can give a lot. I know I've got a good chin." By no means does Kimbo have a good chin. But he came in shape and was able to recuperate. Had his opponent done the same, Kimbo would not have advanced his record to 7-0.

Daniel Ammann UD10 David Aloua (98-92, 99-91, 99-91)

Ammann, a tall and long more experienced southpaw, proved to be too much of a challenge for the undefeated prospect Aloua. Ammann not only let his hands go more often, but he punished Aloua to the body. After the 4th round Aloua's corner told him that he had to pick it up immediately if he wanted to win the fight. Aloua did just that, too. Aloua stunned and bloodied Ammann's nose with a right hand and put together a few quality combinations. But Ammann rallied back and the two traded big shots until the final bell in an outstanding 5th round. In the 6th Aloua landed a big left hook but Ammann took it well and closed the round even stronger.

From there on the fight became untidy as both fighters showed signs of fatigue. Aloua landed another big shot in the 8th but Ammann easily absorbed it again and continued to outwork the 25 year old, 8 fight novice for the rest of the fight. Although commentator Ted Cofie thought the fight was close, the decision was rightfully wide Ammann's favor. Ammann retained his Australian cruiserweight title. This was a good learning experience for Aloua, who I expect will get better in time.

Joel Brunker UD8 Ivan Hernandez (80-72, 79-73, 78-75)

The aging former world champion Hernandez started out very busy while the young Brunker proved to be wise beyond his years and patiently walked Hernandez down. Brunker displayed a good defense and picked his spots to land the more devastating punches. An accidental clash of heads in the 4th round opened a bad cut outside of Brunker's right eye that the ringside doctor had to check out. This may have given Hernandez the break he needed as he was slowing down in the fight. Brunker fought through the cut (and was still winning) but it did appear to bother him.

Hernandez began to land some good shots of his own, but too infrequently to win rounds. Brunker won a hard fought unanimous decision and gained some valuable experience. Once upon a time Hernandez beat hall of famer Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson to become WBO super flyweight champion. Four divisions and nearly a decade later, Hernandez is still fighting.

Jamie Pittman UD8 Zac Awad (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)

Awad, normally an orthodox fighter, began boxing out the southpaw stance. The idea was to upset Pittman's strategy (who is regularly a southpaw). Pittman didn't appear too bothered and the opening round was fairly even. In round 2 the taller and longer Pittman got off first and put a lot of damaging combinations together. By the 3rd round Awad began to get frustrated and was given a stern warning for low blows. In the 5th round Awad threw a cheap shot long after the referee called for a break. Meanwhile, Pittman kept his composure and gave Awad a boxing lesson.

Sensing the futile nature of his initial strategy, Awad switched between southpaw and orthodox and did his best to make a dog fight out of it. However, Awad's most significant accomplishment was cutting Pittman around the eyes. Pittman is known as a bleeder and although the referee halted the action a few times for the doctor to check him out, the fight was never in danger of being stopped. Pittman easily won a wide unanimous decision.

Untelevised Undercard:

Lauryn Eagle UD8 Nadine Brown (78-72, 78-74, 78-74)
Steve Lovett UD6 Jeremy Allan (57-56, 57-56, 57-56)

This event was broadcasted live on Australia's Main Event PPV.