Zdravko stops Hunia

Zdravko Micevic, the former bouncer acquitted over the death of cricket great David Hookes, wasted no time winning his second pro fight last night.

The 25-year-old stopped Kiwi Colin Hunia in two rounds at Springer's Leisure Centre, in Keysborough, Melbourne.
The fight ended at 1min 56sec of the round and followed Micevic’s six-round decision over Queenslander Wes Ryder on debut in April.

The 42-year-old Hunia is now 11-10 (2 KOs). He boasts a win over fellow veteran, the well performed Sean Sullivan in 2005, and is a former New Zealand cruiserweight champ.

On the same card, middleweight Chris Collard stopped Fili Mailata in round three on the three-knockdown rule.
Junior-middle Nigel Snart outpointed Dion McNabney for a majority decision over six and featherweights Emmanuel Micallef and Leigh Lindgren drew over six.

To say Micevic has carried a heavy load during the early stages of his boxing career would be an understatement.

Although acquitted of manslaughter for the death of David Hookes more than three years ago, the former bouncer is still feeling the weight of a controversy that split a nation.

Ahead of last night’s fight he told The Saturday Daily Telegraph:
"There's still pressure but it's not the same as my debut (in April).

"I was under a hell of a lot of pressure before that one, but I thought the public reaction was pretty positive."

Indeed, the packed house at Darebin Community Centre in Melbourne even broke into a "Zdravko" chant as the cruiserweight defeated first-up opponent Wes Ryder over six rounds.

"I was not sure whether they were cheering for me or against me," he said.

"Then I realised they were chanting my name. There was a lot going through my mind and it was big, big relief when it was all over after the last two or three years."

Micevic's trainer Louie Korica upped the ante in preparation for his second pro bout in the south-eastern Melbourne suburb.

The former Victorian amateur champ sparred infinitely more experienced rivals such as Daniel Lovett and Heath Stenton in preparation for the Hunia fight.

The camp is eying a shot at the national light-heavyweight title within the next year.
 

As seen on Sportsnut.com.au - by Ray Wheatley

Advert