Former NRL star Justin Hodges takes on New Zealander Troy McMahon in his second professional fight tonight at Sydney’s Star Casino. Join The Roar for a live blog of the action from 8pm (AEST).
The bout is on the undercard to the main event featuring Tim Tszyu and Joel Camilleri, who’ll be fighting for the Australian super middleweight title.
Hodges is campaigning in the heavyweight division. The 36-year-old won his first bout back in February via a first round KO over a hand-picked opponent. But Hodges looked very much like a boxing rookie in that fight, despite the result.
Very little is known about his opponent tonight other than that he’s a New Zealander making his debut. Hopefully, he’ll at least give Hodges more of a test so we can see how his boxing skills are developing under well-respected trainer Gareth “The White Axe” Williams.
Queenslander Hodges has stated that his long-term goal is to fight NRL star and New South Welshman Paul Gallen.
Based on what we saw in his first fight, it’s fair to say that he’ll need plenty more ring experience before he’s anywhere near ready for that, even though that “State of Origin” bout would be a promoter’s dream.
Gallen has been impressive in his boxing career so far, compiling a record of 9-0 with 5 KOs.
Join The Roar for live coverage of this fight from around 8pm (AEST).
Time: From 7pm AEST, Wednesday 15 May
Venue: The Star Casino, Sydney
TV: Live on Main Event, Pay-Per-View
Fight Records: Hodges 1-0, McMahon 0-0
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
I have just learned that Billy Dib will be fighting Amir Khan in two weeks for the WBC International Welterweight title in Saudri on July 12. Jeff Horn is going to be fighting Michael Zerefa on August 31 in Bendigo and if Hodges has the guts I'll fight him on the undercard.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Sorry, that was ridiculous ( Hodges fight) even though others pulled out you don’t disrespect the sport and all those tough men and woman who made it great, farcical and it’s why the sport is on its knees
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
Well the Mainevent is coming up and it’s going to be a tough act to follow after Teleford V Brubaker is so far the fight of the night easily. My prediction Camerilli on the cards in a split decision
John Coomer
Roar Guru
The main event blog between Tszyu and Camilleri is at this link. https://www.theroar.com.au/combat/live-score/tim-tszyu-vs-joel-camilleri-australian-super-welterweight-title-fight-boxing-live-round-by-round-updates-blog-762082/
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
Tszyu v Camerilli will have to be excellent to beat that
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
What a crap decision, a draw!!! Garbage!!! Teleford won all ten rounds
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
Give me Hodges!!!
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
That was the best fight I seen since Geale v Mundine 1
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
Teleford v Brubaker no doubt fight of the night, get ready for huge ko in the last
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Yes mate, will be up soon.
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
At 6”1 and 105kg in shape, I’ll fight Hodges, I still owe him one from our 1996 under 14 qld cup footy game. Nth Qld flogged Central Qld 36-4. I would like revenge for that game
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
John are you calling Tszyu v Camerilli???
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
Remember though four fighters pulled out of the Hodges fight so promoters got desperate
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
A 30lb weight advantage? Seriously? Who wants to watch that? It would maybe be acceptable as a curiosity piece if the smaller fighter significantly more skilled or conditioned in order to make it somewhat even, but whobthe he’ll wants to watch a recently retired professional athlete pulverise a rank amateur half his size? At least Gallen or even Quade Cooper are fighting guys in a similar weight class and with at least some professional experience.
Gus
Guest
Helps add to the purse I guess, because for some reason people want to watch that and it helps sell the fight
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Not a good look for boxing, a mismatched bout like that.
Barry
Guest
No way Paul Gallen will be answering his phone after this devastating KO
John Coomer
Roar Guru
It was quicker than I thought, the fight was stopped 23 seconds in, not 30....
John Coomer
Roar Guru
An right uppercut from Hodges put McMahon down after he landed another right hand early. McMahon looked out of his depth in a boxing ring.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 1 McMahon down and it's over 30 seconds in!