On Saturday November 22nd, from the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland, we will witness one of the most unique events in boxing when eight of the best Cruiserweights from Australia and New Zealand do battle in the Super 8s Tournament.
Although three fighters are yet to be announced, ‘team’ Australia will be represented by Daniel Ammann, Anthony Mccracken and the favourite to take out the crown, Brad ‘Hollywood’ Pitt.
Of course the term ‘team’ Australia means very little, as this is of course a tournament and will see every man for himself.
For those who aren’t sure how the Super 8s work, Brad summed it up perfectly: “The Super 8 is an eight-man cruiserweight knockout tournament. If you win you’re on to the next round and if you lose you’re out! Each round will be three explosive minutes”
As previously mentioned, Brad, who is looking to bounce back from the first defeat of his career at the hands of David Aloua, is the favourite to take out the event. His big-hitting, big power style is perfectly suited to short, sharp fights.
“There is a really good mixture of fighters but it doesn’t really concern me who is going in it” he said, with the usual laid back confidence he has become known for. “Yes, this kind of tournament really suits me. I am feeling very confident, but with any fight you just adapt, it’s all boxing.”
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You have to wonder how the possibility of two further fights later in the night must affect the mentality of fighters entering the tournament. Is it smart to look for an early knockout to conserve energy for later fights?
When asked this very question, Pitt was straight to the point. “I’ll approach this like I do all my fights. When you start looking for the knock out they never come”.
Interestingly, as mentioned, Daniel Ammann is a common opponent of Pitt, and the man he last fought in David Aloua. Pitt knocked Ammann out in the second round of their contest in 2011.
Ammann however, took a unanimous decision over Pitt’s conqueror in Aloua.
This sets up what could very possibly be the most intriguing matchup of the tournament, should of course both men meet. When asked whether he’d welcome a rematch with Ammann, Pitt was in no mood to play promoter.
“If I draw him I draw him, he’s in the tournament so I would be happy to fight him” he said.
There is a very real chance that the winner of the Super 8s could meet the winner of another feature bout on the card between David Aloua and Daniel Baff. The winner of that possible matchup would likely be in a position to lineup a future World Title shot.
The prospect of an Aloua versus Pitt rematch is something that has been discussed within boxing circles, and would certainly not look out of place headlining any card in the near future.
When pressed on the possibility of a rematch with the man who ended his undefeated streak as a professional, Pitt pulled no punches: “I’d love a re match. I think it will happen,” he said. “Not making excuses or taking anything away from David but I lost that fight 6 weeks before in training camp. He got lucky, but that’s boxing. I have learnt a lot from that fight.”
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Due to an injury suffered in training camp, Pitt’s last fight was over seven months ago. He certainly won’t be using the injury as an excuse should he not get the job done in Auckland saying “it’s healed up perfect and making me feel stronger”.
The Super 8s is sure to be an awesome occasion. With a talented crop partaking in the tournament, as well as a feature bout between the aforementioned Aloua and Braff, it’s one not to be missed. That’s not even taking into account the Heavyweight Main event between Shane Cameron and Kali Meehan.
With a big, and loud partisan crowd expected in Auckland, ‘Hollywood’ did not seem overly phased when asked how he would be received by the crowd: “Hopefully they warm to me when I start knocking a few people out!” he proclaimed.
The tournament promises to be an exciting, all action event, and will help shape the future of the Cruiserweight Division both within Australia and New Zealand.
Pitt, who has 12 knockouts from his 15 wins is the perfect candidate for the knockout style set up. We’re tipping a Pitt win in the final over a fellow Aussie.
I just hope Brad hasn’t signed on to be paid by the hour.
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