(SEPT 28) A very exciting
fight between Sarah Long and Alrie Meleisea as these two
exciting boxers reenter the rind to fight each other for the
second time in a 4 rounder, However, the fight ended in a
controversial draw with the judges large split.
This is the first time for Alrie
Meleisea has competed in a boxing ring in nearly 2 years since
her New Zealand title win over Sarah Long. however, this is also
the first time Sarah Long first competed in a boxing ring in
almost a year since her New Zealand title against Ashley
Campbell. Both girls had something to prove as they try to go
one step further towards a world title.
There is no denying the fight was a close fight, the first round
was a classic feeling out stage between the two boxers, however,
after the first round, there was a little pause while the doctor
check on a previous fight injures. After a couple of minutes
passed the doctor returned and the fight continued guns blazing
between the two boxers. In the final round, both boxers were
extremely tired as exhaust kicked in. Lots of holding and
tossing happened before ending a fight of the night performance.
After the fight, there was a long pause before announcing the
result which is generally a sign of a split of some sort. But
the split was controversial from the New Zealand Professional
Boxing Association (NZPBA) judges. Judge 1 Adrian Bently who was
acting as Supervisor of the night and the more experienced judge
on the panel, had the card 40 - 36 to Alrie Meleisea. Judge 2
Kendall Cooper had the card 38 - 38 which was probably the most
accurate score out of the judges. And finally, Judge 3 Smita
Tailor who is the least experienced judge out of the panel had
the scores 40 - 36 to Sarah Long.
The draw probably was the most deserving result of the fight,
especially how close the fight was, however, it caused a lot of
confusion after the fight with how different the judge's
scorecards are.
So what will happen next to the two boxers? A rematch between
the two should happen before the end of the year. Possible for
an 8 or 10 round fight for a title of some sort. What will also
be interesting is to see what the boxrec rankings will produce
with a draw, with Alrie most likely going down very so slightly
and Sarah going up.