By Aus-Boxing.com

TOOWOOMBA mauler Kris George has produced another silencing performance.

The rugged 27-year-old scored a major upset, outpointing the previously unbeaten Cameron Hammond (now 16-1, 8 KOs) to win the Commonwealth welterweight title.

With the win, George (now 12-1, 6 KOs) is now chasing bigger fights and potentially greater riches in 2017 after scoring a comprehensive victory over the favoured former Olympian Hammond.

After the bout, George was declared an unanimous decision winner by relatively wide scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 117-110 in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Rumours International.

“Bigger and better things are coming in 2017,” said George in his post-fight interview. “The United Kingdom, the US or whatever fight makes the most sense, I’m ready. The bigger opportunities are going to come with this title,”

George’s manager, Brendon Smith from TGW & Smithy’s Promotions will now look at what options are available.

“First of all, this is time for Kris to enjoy the moment – he’s just won the Commonwealth title – that’s a huge feat,” Smith said. “When the dust settles I’ll talk to Kris and his trainer Craig Monagle and see what’s next. The way I see it, there is only fight in Australia for Kris and that’s Jeff Horn.”

“Jeff was there to witness Kris beat his stable mate Cameron Hammond on Friday night and it’s no secret it’s a fight Kris George wants. It would be a huge fight in Australia and a crowd pleasing fight.”

“We’ll see if that’s an avenue to pursue and of course as the holder of the Commonwealth title that opens huge doors into the UK. We’ll wait and see after the new ratings are released by the Commonwealth Boxing Council and we can see what’s next from there.”

“It’s exciting times for Kris George.”

Capping off a great night for local boxers, Toowoomba favourite Brent Rice is now the Australian super featherweight champion after earning a hard-fought majority decision over the previously undefeated Matt Casboult.

Rice’s win keeps the title on the Darling Downs, as the previous holder of the belt was Will Young, who retired last year.

Rice – who is trained by his father Bobby – is also managed by Brendon Smith under the TGW & Smithy’s Promotions banner.

“I’m thrilled for Brent and Bobby to win the title,” Smith concluded. “It’s a big achievement for Brent at only his fifth professional bout.”

“With Brent, it’s time for him to celebrate his victory, enjoy a break and then we will get together and work out what’s next.”