Gutsy Naidu Falls Short

Boxer Ronald Naidu accepted defeat in his World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian welterweight title fight against Brent ‘Sugar’ Dames of Australia at Prince Charles Park, Nadi on Saturday night.
After a torrid 10-round fight the three judges gave the fight to Dames (97-91, 98-91, 97-92).
Naidu held his own in the first two opening rounds but his reluctance to keep throwing punches saw the Australian dominate the rest of the rounds.
“It was a good fight, but I’m not happy with how it ended,” Naidu told SUNsports.
“It is sad that the title slipped away from me as I was training hard for it but that is the sport of boxing.
“I’ve learnt a lot from this fight and will look forward to the future and continue training harder.
“I thank Brent for giving his best shot and promoter Ben Krishna for making my dream come true.”
Naidu felt the heat in the ninth round but fought back courageously.
Dames, a former kick boxing champion said, Naidu was slapping him most of the time.
“I had slaps over me but nothing touching my face. Each round I gave him two punches that won me the rounds.
“I love to fight in Fiji and I will be back.
“Twice I was asked to come but something happened and in Ronald wants a rematch I’m willing to come later this year.”
Boxing Commission of Fiji board director Usman Ali said the main bout was above average.
He said local boxers need to step-up.
“This is in terms of skills and ringcraft since the public do pay to watch them fight but overall we are getting there.”
– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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