Wild Thing made
our hearts sing
by Greg Martin
The previous time Marsden Park ’ s Katie Lodge toed the line in a boxing bout she fought like a “ Tame Thing ” but at her latest outing the “ Wild Thing ” emerged from the jungle .
Katie absolutely annihilated Fijian champion , Maureen Chand , in the main event at a bumper Pro-Am Boxing tournament at Windsor Leagues Club on November 18 .
Chand crumbled to the canvas 11 seconds into the third round of the Asia Pacific Welterweight championship bout , followed a barrage of heavy blows from the resurrected “ Wild Thing ”.
It was a return to the wilderness for “ Wild Thing ” Katie , whose previous bout against Connie Chan at Wests HQ ( nee Rooty Hill RSL ) last September ended in disappointing points loss . The real “ Wild thing ” – a hard punching whirlwind of a fighter – didn ’ t turn up on that occasion but the beast was let run free against the totally outclassed Chand .
The Fijian shouldn ’ t have been a pushover because she went into the fight off two impressive technical knockouts ( TKO ) at her previous outings back in Fiji ’ s Nadi city .
Katie Lodge sways away from her Fijian opponent ’ s left hook and responded with a crashing overhead right . Photo : Kathryn Johnston .
But from the opening flurry of punches , it was as obvious as the nose on W . C . Fields face that a Katie Lodge victory was imminent . Katie unleashed a flurry of walloping lefts and rights which had Chand ducking and weaving .
The Fijian ’ s footwork was neat enough and she managed to avoid a killer blow . She emerged from the blue corner for the third round and was immediately beset by the barnstorming “ Wild Thing ” who swung a few hefty punches which resulted in Chand crumbling to her knees to the canvas and hoisting the white flag . The huge crowd in attendance went wild – the “ Wild Thing ” was back !
Close to 900 fight fans rocked up to Windsor Leagues Club to witness 21 bouts , most of which featured men and woman , boys and girls , toeing the line in their first fights .
Sure , there weren ’ t any future Kostya Tszyus , Johnny Famechons or Lionel Roses on display , but boy-oh-boy , didn ’ t they all put on a show for the fans .
All must be congratulated for their commitment in both preparing over several months for the big night and their courage in participating in the toughest sport of all .
And kudos to BoxFitt Gym and Box ‘ n ’ Burn owner , Mark Hardman , and his trusty righthand woman , Lauren Smith , for putting on a thoroughly entertaining night .
A jubilant Katie Lodge holds aloft her Asia Pacific Welterweight Championship belt , flanked by trainer and promoter , Mark Hardman , and his able sidekick , Lauren Smith . Photo : Kathryn Johnston .
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12 ISSUE 151 // DECEMBER 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT