-AK-
23-05-2009, 10:46 PM
:lol: Round 2 - isn't that a little early?
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6639673,00.jpg
FORMER rugby league star John Hopoate suffered a brutal second round stoppage loss against former heavyweight world champion Oliver McCall at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
American McCall, who held the WBC heavyweight world title between September 1994 and February 1995, won the vacant IBA Intercontinental Championship by demolishing the Australian in just under five minutes.
Hopoate, who had only 13 previous professional fights compared to 60 logged by McCall, was competitive in the first round. He landed some right hand power shots, while the 44-year-old McCall found his range with some snappy left jabs.
One minute into the second round, McCall landed a number of big right hand punches, including a jolting uppercut to send the 34-year-old Australian to the floor.
Hopoate quickly climbed off the canvas, but was unable to survive another flurry of right hand blows a few seconds later. He was knocked down again and experienced referee Joe Cortez quickly halted the bout.
The result made Hopoate's record 11 wins (11 KOs) and three losses, while McCall improved his log to 52 victories (37 KOs) and nine defeats.
McCall, who entered the bout as a strong betting favourite, was fighting for the first time since October 2007.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25526654-5001023,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6639673,00.jpg
FORMER rugby league star John Hopoate suffered a brutal second round stoppage loss against former heavyweight world champion Oliver McCall at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
American McCall, who held the WBC heavyweight world title between September 1994 and February 1995, won the vacant IBA Intercontinental Championship by demolishing the Australian in just under five minutes.
Hopoate, who had only 13 previous professional fights compared to 60 logged by McCall, was competitive in the first round. He landed some right hand power shots, while the 44-year-old McCall found his range with some snappy left jabs.
One minute into the second round, McCall landed a number of big right hand punches, including a jolting uppercut to send the 34-year-old Australian to the floor.
Hopoate quickly climbed off the canvas, but was unable to survive another flurry of right hand blows a few seconds later. He was knocked down again and experienced referee Joe Cortez quickly halted the bout.
The result made Hopoate's record 11 wins (11 KOs) and three losses, while McCall improved his log to 52 victories (37 KOs) and nine defeats.
McCall, who entered the bout as a strong betting favourite, was fighting for the first time since October 2007.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25526654-5001023,00.html