Rocky vs Merv

Sat, May 07 2011

In the boxing match of the year – Merv Hughes versus Rocky – the cricket legend copped some hard punches and left the ring with a scar on his face, but somehow he still managed to beat the Arafura Games mascot in three action packed one-minute rounds.

Hughes said the fight had been “a fair bit of a workout”. “Rocky was quite dangerous – especially when he was bouncing off the ropes,” he said.

“And his razorblade sharp ears got me in the face. He was all pumped up – I think the judge should look at his blood tests, maybe he was on steroid,” he joked.

“The fight was pretty even; I’m glad the judge decided in my favour. But that exhibition of boxing showed that cricket was my ground.”

“And I am hurting all over … from laughing.”

Spectators were thrilled about the first of the boxing events at Arafura Central, although they suspected referee David Pike sided with fellow-Victorian Hughes, helping the cricketer to his win.

The first ‘real’ 2011 Arafura Games boxing events kick off at Arafura Central tomorrow, Monday, 11am.

Forty female and more than 140 male boxers from 10 nations will be competing in 10 male and 10 female divisions over the five-day tournament.

More information Arafura Games Media Centre: +61 8 8999 1122.