George an instant knockout on his return
Hamilton boxer Cairo George won on his return to Singapore with a devastating knockout 59 seconds into the first round.
George beat Singaporean Spencer Zhang on The Roar of Singapore III show last Friday in a super lightweight bout that was broadcast to millions across Europe and Asia. He bounced back after losing his IBO Asia-Pacific title as a welterweight to Indonesia’s Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus in May.
It was George’s first professional loss but knocking out Zhang takes the Kiwi fighter’s record to 14 wins and one loss since turning pro in 2012.
His last trip to Singapore was disrupted by an eye infection, a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder, and more than 24 hours of travel just days before fighting Ferdinandus.
George had only fought once in two years prior to facing Ferdinandus because of two breaks and surgery on the same hand.
But winning two fights in New Zealand in September against Nick Hikuroa and Ricky Curline meant George was ’’a lot better prepared’’ for his return to Singapore.
And his camp was boosted by Auckland trainer Lolo Heimuli, who is Kiwi UFC star Mark Hunt’s striking coach, joining George and his father, Torchy, having this time just travelled 13 hours between New Zealand and Singapore.
Zhang had won one and lost one as a professional but George’s first round knockout changed the Singaporean’s record for the worse.
George was victorious in Singapore, and in some style.