Hussein suffers first loss of career - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Hussein suffers first loss of career

14/11/2003 10:31:46 PM Comments (0)

Australian Hussein Hussein has suffered the first loss of his professional boxing career as he slipped to a points loss in his challenge to world boxing Council flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam.

Sydney-sider Hussein, who had won his 23 previous professional bouts, was knocked down by a right hand to the chin in the 11th.

The 28-year-old Australian was unable to dictate terms against a younger but vastly more experienced opponent, who notched his 40th straight victory and eighth successful defence.

The 26-year-old Thai southpaw enjoyed the better of the inside exchanges throughout the fast paced bout.

The taller challenger sporadically landed with jabs and his trademark body rips, was unable to dominate for sustained periods.

Hussein finished the fight marked under the left eye, but was never seriously hurt despite the knockdown and was up by the count of four from Korean referee David Chung.

Many of the rounds were close and well contested, but ultimately the more experienced champion had sufficient savvy to earn the edge.

Atlanta Olympian Hussein had never previously gone beyond 10 rounds while tonight's victory was the champions fourth straight points win.

Hussein was implored to dig deep over the last four rounds by trainer Jeff Fenech, who was looking for his first world champion outside the ring after winning three titles during his own career.

His fighter did his best to respond, enjoying a strong final round, but was unable to pick up sufficient points against the slick Thai counterpuncher who consistently landed with good shots up the middle and didn't allow the Australian to dictate with his jab from outside.

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