Body punches took its toll on Hill

Sydney-based boxing trainer Lepani Wilson believes that Winston Hill should not be fighting in the super welterweight division.

Wilson gave his comment after Hill was knocked out in the sixth round by unbeaten Australian box­er Ben Mahoney at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre in Australia, last Saturday night.

The win saw Mahoney being crowned the IBF (International Boxing Fed­eration) Pan Pacific super welter­weight champion.

"Winston Hill does not have the size to fight in the 69-kilogramme (kg), which is the super welter­weight division," Wilson said.

"Hill should fight in the 64-66kg. That is his normal weight divi­sion and that is where he fights the best." Mahoney's body punches saw Hill hit the canvas twice in the first round. He tried to fight his way back by landing a few punches but the Australian stood firm and wait­ed for his chance to land his body shots.

In the fifth round, Mahoney land­ed a solid body punch that saw Hill hit the canvas. In the sixth round, another barrage of body punches from Mahoney resulted in Hill go­ing down in pain.

The fight was one of the under­cards to the IBF world cruiser­weight title fight where Jai Opetaia defended the title against Ger­many's Huseyin Cinkara with an eighth round knockout win.

Wilson also highlighted the need for local-based boxers who are do­ing well to work on their motives.

"If these boxers are there to make quick money then it's sad because it only means a quick end to their career. Those who want to build-up their boxing career must always consider their opponents well (in the match making) before taking them on."

The no-nonsense trainer said oth­er factors that affected Hill's per­formance has been his long lay-off after injuring his hands.

"Hill should have another fight be­fore taking on Mahoney. I think the long lay-off made him rusty in the ring and Mahoney took advantage of it," he added.