Call for Hooper, Mundine to fight for IBF glory

GRANTLEE KIEZA ANTHONY Mundine is being enticed to fight again in September against Brisbane Olympian Damien Hooper, with a world title shot as the prize.

Hooper, 25, who fought at 81kg at the London Olympics, scored the biggest win of his career on the Horn-Pacquiao undercard when he outpointed Russia’s lanky Umar Salamov before 51,025 fans at Suncorp Stadium.

The victory gave Hooper the IBF “International’’ lightheavyweight title and his management is trying to manoeuvre him into the top contender spot in the IBF rankings behind California’s world champ Andre Ward.

Mundine, whose last fight was a controversial points defeat against Danny Green before nearly 30,000 people at Adelaide Oval in February, turned 42 in May but still dreams of a major fight in the United States.

Matchmaker Stuart Duncan, who did so much to push Jeff Horn into the world title picture, says Hooper had arrived on the world stage and Mundine would be the perfect opponent to announce that to Australian fans.

“Hooper is a brilliant fighter,” Duncan said.

“Salamov had a big reputation but Hooper managed to tough out some rugged moments for the points win and he’s now looking to take the big step into the world ratings.

“The No.1 spot in the IBF ratings is vacant now and Hooper and Mundine could fight for that with a title opportunity against Andre Ward as the prize at the end.

“We’d be looking to host the fight in September in Sydney.”

Mundine has 47 wins in 55 fights while Hooper has 13 wins in 14 starts.