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Daniel Geale outclassed Ghana’s Osumanu Adama in Hobart last night to retain his IBF middleweight world title, but the pre-fight war of woods continued post fight with the two fighter’s promoters squaring off.
Before the bout Adama and his trainer Joseph Isanonga had bagged Geale, describing him as a “slapper” and a “ballet dancer”.
But it was the Tasmanian who proved too strong at the Derwent Entertainment Centre for his African challenger, earning a unanimous 117-111, 115-113 and 118-110 decision.
Both Adama and were gracious after the fight, with Isanonga claiming that Geale had “proved me wrong.” Isanonga said Geale “deserved” the decision and that Adama will get another title shot.
However after the bout an icy Cynthia Tolayma, Adama’s promoter, said Geale’s promoter Gary Shaw had deceived her, claiming that Shaw had told her that the world champion was not a big attraction in Australia and that the fight was not going to be shown on pay-per view.
Fellow American Shaw retorted: “Thanks Cynthia, you probably just got me another six fighters in Australia to represent.”
Shaw credited the effort of Adama, describing him as having “the heart of a lion”.
“He made Daniel work for everything,” he said.
Shaw said that Isanonga had accused Geale of being a ballet dancer, and replied with: “Daniel Geale fights like a ballet dancer, and dances like a fighter”.
Shaw said he was disappointed the crowd turnout for the fight, with about 3500 in attendance compared with the 5000 or so sellout that Geale received at the same venue last year.
“Shame on Hobart,” Shaw said. “Have they really came out and supported him? They’ve seen the last of Daniel Geale in Hobart live. We’re not going to go anywhere we don’t get big support.”
Shaw said Jermain Taylor might be Geale’s next opponent, along with Sergio Gabriel Martinez. On a rematch with Anthony Mundine he said: “We’ll fight Mundine next week, in two weeks. Mundine has to step up. But he’s running to America to get away from Daniel.”
Billy Dib was relaxed at the press conference, stating that he “took a few shots” from his Mexican opponent “but nothing that stung me”. Escobedo was a no-show at the event, unsurprising perhaps considering the poor manner of his defeat.
Dib said: “Not many Mexicans quit. I promised him I wouldn’t run. I made him quit.”
Dib said his plan for the future is to “make some noise” in the US, with potential bouts against Juan Manuel Lopez, Orlando Salido or Rey Bautista.
On a successful night for Australian boxing, Shaw finished off the press conference with the line: “Are there any other questions? Because we have to go party.”
Some brief footage of Billy Dib entering the ring last night:
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