Anthony Mundine won his third world title after beating Daniel Geale by split decision after 12 rounds in Brisbane on Wednesday night. Mundine (36-3) knocked Geale down in the second round. It was the first loss in Geale's 22-fight professional career.
The former two-time WBA super-middleweight champion boxed impressively to secure his third world title in two different weight divisions. He used his superior speed and boxing ability to outwork Geale in a close and exciting battle fought in the centre of the ring. The work rate of both fighters was superb and contributed to the excitement of a close and entertaining boxing matchup. The 34 year old Mundine won by close scores of 116-113, 114-113 and the third judge scoring the fight 115-113 for Daniel Geale.
In the opening round Geale attacked Mundine and scored with some effective three punch combinations which seemed to confuse Mundine who was expecting a boxing encounter. With a minute left in the round Mundine threw a number of combinations but missed as Geale ducked under his jabs and hooks and then threw a superb left hook that caught Mundine flush which seemed to shock him.
Mundine came out strong in the second, determined to impose his strength and dropped Geale in the opening minute with a left hook and referee Gary Dean issued a standing eight count. Geale recovered well and at the end of the both engaged in a toe to toe exchange as the bell went for the end of the round.
Mundine seemed to be settling into an effective boxing rhythm in the third round with his fast jab and Geale smothered some Mundine’s advances by pushing him to the ropes. He had some good success with punching on the inside which seemed to give Geale confidence.
As we entered the fourth round the fight was evenly matched with Geale seemingly gaining in confidence, despite his knockdown in the second. As Geale seemed to gain the advantage, Mundine roared back with combinations to ensure his opponent was not stealing the momentum. It was a close and exciting fight.
At the midway point in the final round Geale hurt Mundine and wobbled him against the ropes but Mundine responded by digging deep and coming back with some good punches close in. This was Geale’s best round of the fight but Mundine dazzled with some fast combinations in the last twenty seconds.
