SUZHOU, CHINA - Xia Shunkai of China had his way in the first five rounds against Falani Tavu?i of Samoa. Both boxers came out with bombs in the opening round but Xia used his height and reach advantage to land effective one-two combinations and avoid Tavu'i's swinging counters by just stepping back.
Xia connected at will and hurt Tavu'i on several occasions. But in the sixth, Tavu'i landed a hard hook that staggered Xia who sought refuge on the ropes. Xia was at the receiving end of heavy shots but he managed to hang on till the end of the round.
Xia managed to regain control in the seventh but Tavu?i?s power made him dangerous. But Xia took the eighth and final round to win the WBO China National cruiserweight title as well as the China Professional Boxing Club Association (CBCA) belt.
The scores of judges Pu Qiang, Surat Soikrachang and Samson Iu were all 79-73. The referee was Atty. Danrex Tapdasan of the Philippines.
In the supporting main event, Wang Jian beat Sun Zhanguo by unanimous decision for the CPCA super bantamweight title. Wang bloodied Sun?s nose in the second and controlled most of the eight round bout. Scores ? Ma Shusheng ? 80-72, Atty. Danrex Tapdasan and Huang Zhiqiang ha dit 79-73.
In the female lightweight battle, Zhao Yuanyuan won by unanimous decision over Wang Lin. Scores ? 40-36,40-36 and 39-37.
Wang Feihu prevailed by unanimous verdict over Zhai Yu. Scores ? 60-54,60-54 and 59-55. In the opening bout, Ge Wenfeng beat Xie Cheng by unanimous decision. Xie was deducted a point on two occasions for intentionally spitting out his mouthpiece. Scores of the three judges were 60-52.
The show also had Chinese bodybuilders posing and flexing for the crowd as part of the entertainment and an exhibition Muay Thai bout.
The fight card is supported by the WBO and promoted by Suzhou Dingyuan Promotions. The officials for the event held at the Dushu Lake Gym were from CBCA and the Professional Boxing Commission (PBC) of China.
Photo: Xia Shunkai's hand raised in victory by Referee Danrex Tapdasan.
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