Danny Green threw back the years with a smart and disciplined performance against Shane Cameron to claim the vacant IBO cruiserweight world title last night and may fight again.
‘The Green Machine’ was tough, dedicated and efficient in his unanimous points win over Cameron in Melbourne, using his jab well and out-boxing the bigger opponent. Green, in what many thought would be his final bout, used a very effective game-plan and was able to outmuscle Cameron.
Many had tipped the heavier, taller and younger Kiwi to trouble the 39-year old Green, who has lost two of his past three fights. But the West Australian belied his age to record a 119-109, 116-112, 116-113 points decision that never really looked in doubt from the middle rounds.
Cameron started the fight well but faded and failed to regularly land combinations or find his trademark power.
In the post-fight interview, when asked about whether he would retire, Green said, “I’m going to be an Aussie and get on the cans with the boys.”
Ever the ocker boxing figurehead, Green’s retort didn’t answer the question but means he may re-enter the ring again for the right offer.
The win in Melbourne gave Green the perfect opportunity to retire on a high – in victory and with a world title, his fourth, believed to be the only Australian-born boxer to win four world titles.
Green has reclaimed the belt he lost to Antonio Tarver, who was later stripped of the title when he tested positive for steroids.
But like for so many fighters, boxing is a drug that is hard to give up. The lure of the ring remains strong.
Green, who has already retired and come back once, may box on. Who knows, if Anthony Mundine can’t get past Daniel Geale in January, a re-match with Green may be ‘The Man’s’ only option.
Post-fight, Green also had a dig at his former trainer Jeff Fenech. One of Australia’s boxing greats, Fenech and Green are no longer close and Fenech was supporting Cameron for a big win.
Green described the ‘Marrickville Mauler’ as a grub and said, “On your way mate. Back to Sydney in a cab, on your bike.”
On the undercard, undefeated IBO super featherweight world champion Will Tomlinson successfully defended his title and extended his record to 20 wins and one draw from 21 fights. ‘Wild Will’ was too strong for Irving Berry and may be off to the US now to try and unify his division –
There was also a win for undefeated Australian cruiserweight Brad Pitt, who secured a third round knock-out of Mosese Sorovi. Pitt, who was in trouble early but recovered to stop Sorovi, is on the march to challenge for a world title. The 31-year old’s record now moves to 14 wins from 14 fights.
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