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DANNY GREEN STILL CHAMPION

CHALLENGE STADIUM, MT CLAREMONT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

GREEN MACHINE PROMOTION (Danny Green & Justin Manolikos)

IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green, 37 year-old, won more rounds defeating American BJ Flores, 31 year-old, by unanimous points decision over 12 tactical rounds.

Scored: 118-110 Dave Moretti, 118-111 Andre Van Grootenbruel and 117-112 Steve Scott. Referee was Howard John Foster.

Coming into this fight on 17th November Green was WBO # 2, IBF # 5 and WBC # 8 while Flores was WBA # 7.

“The Green Machine” Green, in black trunks with fluoro green trim, was his usual self in the first couple of rounds, trying to stalk the bigger American around the ring. He gave up his trademark aggression in favor of a more sophisticated and smart piece of the boxing school.

Green was the more explosive and eye catching with his single punches. Flores, in silver trunks, tried to punch to the body and it was his best of the fight so far.

In the first part of the match there was a poor workrate from Flores considering it was his first world title fight. Green boxed from the outside in comfort as he controlled the fight. Flores was getting caught with his hands down as he came forward. Green hitting and then spinning away.

Flores was moving forward and flicking his jab in the middle rounds, but there was nothing of authority to trouble the Australian. Green was firing the stronger punches which were winning him the round. Green’s disciplined tight defence posing a hard target for Flores.

The second part of the match-up was considerably different, however. Flores did too little and definitely didn't throw enough power punches to give Green a stern test. On the other hand, Green improved his counter jab and was also successful with his sparse but intensive attacks. There weren't many punches by either boxer but more moving, ducking and defense work. Flores obviously chose not to take any risks in order to avoid any punishment from Green. The Australian felt his superiority but made a decision to sacrifice a possible knockout for a softer, easier way to the victory.

At the final bell, Flores stumbles in the neutral corner as he climbs up on the ropes to raise his arm to the crowd. Before the official announcement, Flores is jumping around in the ring like he won.

“Danny fought a fantastic fight,” said Flores. “A smart fight. I think it was a close fight. I don’t agree with the wideness of the scorecards. I think I proved a point, but not the point I wanted to prove. I fought a great champion and backed him up for twelve rounds.”

Green was pleased with his performance.

“It was very hard for me tonight to implement my game plan,” said Green. “He is fast and strong and I had to stick to the basics. If I could have out him away, I would have put him away.”

“I was able to outbox a boxer and no one would have thought that five years ago,” he told the sell-out crowd. “This one is for all of you!”

Green, former WBC interim super-middleweight champion, retained his IBO cruiseweight belt for the fourth consecutive time and raised his record to 31 triumphs (27 inside) against 3 defeats.

Previously undefeated BJ Flores knew his first loss after 24 wins (15 inside) and 1 draw.

The world champions are: Marco Huck (WBO), Guillermo Jones (WBA), Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (WBC) and Steve Cunningham (IBF).

CAMERON STARTS A NEW CAREER

Shane Cameron, 33 year-old from New Zealand, abandoned the heavyweight division fighting in the lower weight class for the first time. Cameroon acquired the vacant IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title over twelve rounds and also became a mandatory challenger for BJ Flores vs. Danny Green winner when defeated Australian Anthony McCracken, 27 year-old. Cameron took the decision unanimously: two 116-112 and one 117-111. Cameron raised his mark to 26-2-0 (20). McCracken’s record is now 13-5-0 (5).

Other results:

Heavyweight, Mike Wilson W PTS 4 Jae Bryce;

Welterweight, Sam Ah See W KO 1 Mhelvin Hernandez;

Super-Lightweight, Steven Wills W PTS 6 Casey Gilmour;

Lightweight, Waylon Law W PTS 4 Justin Medoro;

Super-Featherweight, Matt Garlett W TKO 3 Quinton Donohue.