Mundine’s Respect is Evidence of Geale’s Talent

By Paul Upham in Boondall: The best evidence of the type of challenge that Daniel Geale will present Anthony Mundine on Wednesday night at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Australia came from “The Man’s” own mouth. “I respect him as a fighter,” said Mundine. “In his career, he probably hasn’t lost many rounds, let alone fights.”

28 year-old Geale 21-0 (13), originally from Launceston, Tasmania, had 160 fights as an amateur and won a Gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. In December 2007, he won the vacant IBO title on points against the previously undefeated Daniel Dawson.

“There is a little bit of expectation,” said Geale. “I am going to go out there and do my thing. I am going to box the way I know I can. We are going to see what is going to happen on the night, but we are quite confidently. We have got a few little plans. A few little things that we are trying to do and we will achieve that.”

A two-time WBA super middleweight world title holder, Mundine 35-3 (23) moved down to middleweight for the first time on February 11 when he defeated Shannan Taylor on points over twelve rounds.

Mundine, who is rated No.5 at super middleweight by The Ring magazine is still predicting victory against Geale, who is No.10 at middleweight, but gives the impression that he knows he is in for a battle that he will win.

“I think coming down from super middleweight,” explained Mundine, who turned 34 year-old on May 21, “by the time I get into the ring, I will be a super middleweight. I won’t lose my speed. My strength is fine. I’ve still got all my strength and I feel like I punch like I normally do. Punching is all about timing and accuracy. Once I get my timing together, you are going to see how I prepared for him.”

With a win over Geale, Mundine has aspirations to face all of the world title-holders at 160lbs, including WBC/WBO champion Kelly Pavlik, IBF champion Arthur Abraham and WBA champion Felix Sturm.

“I am just looking forward to putting on a great show and become a champion again,” he said. “I want bigger and better things and this is the first step towards that. I have to get this dude out of the way and let everyone know how good I am.”


Paul Upham
Content Editor