September 15, 2007

By Ray Wheatley -- World of Boxing

Former world middleweight challenger Shannan Taylor (46-6-2, 31 KOs) captured the WBF 160 pound title when he defeated Sonni Michael Angelo (14-6-0, 5 KOs) by disqualification in round one at the Cronulla Leagues club, Cronulla, NSW, Australia on Friday.

Referee Chris Anderson ruled that a severe four-inch cut on the head of Taylor was caused by intentional head butt at 1:54 of round one.

Taylor holds KO wins over former world WBA lightweight champion Livingstone Bramble and IBF jr welterweight champion Jake Rodriguez. He challenged WBC welterweight champion Shane Mosley in 2001 and IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham in 2006.

Bolivian-born Michael Angelo has been based in Australia for several years. He is trained by former two-time IBF jnr featherweight challenger Arnel Barotillo who boxed several world class boxers including Manny Pacquaio.

Junior Talipeau (8-0) outpointed George Laviditis (5-2-2) over ten rounds to become the Australian middleweight champion. Taipeau dominated his taller opponent as he consistently connected with accurate combinations to the head and body. Referee Brian McMahon inspected Laviditis' cut eye in round eight but ruled it OK to continue. Talipeau is trained by Al Sykes. Scores Trevor Christian 98-92, Will Soulos 98-92 and Anthony Shipley 100-90.

Australian welterweight champion Eddie Delic (13-7-2) dropped Edgard Wymara (13-7-2) in round one and went onto to be awarded a ten round decision over the aboriginal to capture the WBF Asia Pacific jnr middleweight crown. Referee Anthony Shipley deducted a point from Wymara for punching off the break in round eight. Wymara was having his first bout in 28 months. Brian Willmont and Paul Isgro were in his corner.

Giant 6'7 heavyweight Les Mason (3-1) suffered a six round split points decision loss at the hands of Michael Kirby (2-0-1). Mason is the younger brother of top Canterbury rugby league footballer Willie.

Crowd pleasing featherweight Benny Warburton (4-0-1) seemed unlucky to share a six round decision with Ernie Gonzalez jnr (0-1-1). Warburton is trained by 1980 Australian welterweight contender Billy Harrison. Gonzalez is trained by former Australian flyweight and bantamweight champion Todd Makelin who also clashed with Manny Pacquaio in 1999.

Promoter Billy Treacy. Ringside commentators Jeff Fenech and Andy Raymond. Televised nationally on Foxtel cable TV.

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