Spark shows class in TKO victory over tough fighter
BOXING: The reputation of exciting Toowoomba super lightweight Steve Spark grew further in stature at Rumours International on Saturday night after he finished on top of wily Japanese journeyman Taisho Ozawa.
Spark claimed the WUC Brayd Smith belt in front of a sell-out home crowd after the ringside doctor ruled Ozawa out of the fight because of eye cuts as the fighters looked to resume their gripping battle at the start of round five.
The premature end to the bout proved a huge disappointment for Spark and Ozawa and their supporters.
Spark had a clear edge over his opponent when the fight was halted but fans sensed the dangerous Ozawa still had something to offer as Spark looked to continue ramming home his superiority.
Ozawa did well to recover from a standing eight-count after being staggered by a Spark flurry in round two and continued taunting the Australian with some experienced gamesmanship.
But Spark wouldn’t be drawn into the banter and never let Ozawa back into the contest as he repeatedly beat him to the punch with crisper and more accurate shots.
Spark’s trainer-manager Brendon Smith paid homage to both fighters as he continues plotting a world path for the Australian title-holder who now sits on seven knock-out wins from eight pro fights.
“Stevie boxed beautifully tonight against a skilful and experienced fighter,” Smith said.
“Ozawa tried everything to slow the fight down and to get into Stevie’s head, but to Steve’s credit he just concentrated on his job and showed a lot of class and maturity.
“Steve had the better of him throughout the fight but at every break we just kept drumming into him that this fight’s not over.
“It’s disappointing for both boys that it ended the way it did but you can’t do any more than what Stevie has done.
“We think he’s world class. “But we’ll keep taking it one step at a time and this has been a big one for him tonight.”
Toowoomba fighters enjoyed a largely good night in other pro events.
Daniel Crawford defeated Nektarios Stathis from the Gold Coast in a unanimous decision.
Jaydii Kalambe outclassed Jim Nalawa and Chris Brackin kept his unbeaten pro record intact with a unanimous points win over Mark Snook.
Former leading Toowoomba amateur Chris Hamilton returned to the city to outpoint Smithy’s Gym’s Brent Moore.