Little boxers stare down critics

Nazih “Hammerhead” Kheir and Jamie “The Giant” Fallon may look small, but they were talking big ahead of their world-first little men boxing title fight.

The two Australian contenders stared down their critics, and each other, in a media call ahead of the November 14 bout on the Gold Coast.

“I like to get in there and start smacking,” said Kheir, who stands 128cm and weighs 38kg.

“We’re definitely going to get injured.”

The Giant, who is just 107cm tall, was quick to respond.

“He better be prepared because I’m fighting 100 per cent to win,” he said ahead of the fight, labelled the world’s first boxing match for the short-statured.

“I hope he’s scared.”

The pair are battling to take home the World Little Men Title - a crown that existed only in the dreams of a young Fallon when he first became interested in boxing.

Fallon said he was disappointed at the criticism the fight has received, including claims it’s nothing more than a gimmick.

“I’m a full-time boxer,” he said.

“Size has got nothing to do with it … if we want to create a professional league, then why shouldn’t we?”

The fight will be in the undercard of a four-fight bill including an international heavyweight bout between Alex Leapai and Peter Cronji, but it has threatened to overshadow the others.

Promoter Jamie Myer said interest had skyrocketed in the little man fight, which was at one stage to be refereed by British-born former world heavyweight contender “Aussie” Joe Bugner.

To his great disappointment Boxing Australia refused Bugner a licence to officiate.

“They are not a gimmick, I think they’re great little fellows who are going to show something to the world,” he said.

The little men, both registered boxers, will fight four one-minute rounds for the championship and both are confident they will last the distance.

“I’ve got a super right-uppercut,” Kheir said with a grin.

The fight will be broadcast on pay television.

Super 14 tipping now live for sign-ups. Join now and invite your mates.

Free Email updates:

• Get a daily Other Sports email

Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...

© 2007 AAP