Geale's the man as he proves too good for Mundine

 

 

The world is Daniel Geale’s oyster after he made amends for the only defeat of his career retaining his IBF Middleweight World Title over Anthony Mundine via unanimous decision (117-111,117-111,116-112).

Geale was simply too good for Mundine throughout the fight, as he dictated terms, using his angles to great effect and showcased the improvement that has taken him to two world titles since the pair last fought in 2009.

Mundine looked very much one dimensional throughout and relied on his ever present jab, but simply didn’t mix it up enough to trouble Geale, as the champion’s superior work rate saw him rack up the rounds.

 Geale looked unfazed by anything Mundine threw his direction and he was confident enough to continually push forward and close the range.

Mundine looked content to fight off the back foot and remain the counter puncher, but Geale’s hand speed and footwork meant he was out of harm’s way before Mundine had a chance to score any punches of his own.

There were flashes from Mundine throughout the fight and he did score nicely with his right hand on occasions but he simply did not do enough to prevent Geale from constantly coming forward and pushing the pace of the fight.

Mundine lacked urgency and seemed prepared to go the distance rather than take risks and try and win the fight by knockout.

Geale looked battle ready on the back on consecutive World title fights against Sebatien Sylvester and Felix Sturm, whilst Mundine looked a tad at sea having to make the jump up in level from his recent competition.

Whilst some will sound the final siren on Mundine’s career, it is hard to determine whether Mundine has declined considerably or if Geale was simply far too good.

I expect Mundine to have one last fight, which will be with old nemesis Danny Green mid 2013. There is simply too much interest and money in that fight for it not too happen. It’s the very reason that Green continues to keep active. Despite their difference in weight divisions I expect a happy medium to be found and the fighters to meet at a catch weight somewhere between Super Middleweight and the Light-Heavyweight limit, given Green fights closer to the Light-Heavyweight mark despite being a Cruiserweight World Champion.

For Geale, there are some super fights in his future. I expect him to meet WBA Middleweight Champion, Gennady Golovkin to unify both the WBA and IBF Middleweight Titles once more, whilst there is also the option of fighting the winner of Felix Sturm and Sam Soliman, who will become his IBF Mandatory challenger.

A win over Golovkin could open the door to the best middleweight on the planet, Sergio Martinez, who is expected to rematch Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, after their first fight ended in a thrilling first round despite being completely one sided for the preceding eleven rounds.

Overall it was a great night for Australian Boxing and the profile of Daniel Geale will have lifted significantly now. It’s onwards and upwards for Australia’s newest boxing sensation and we now eagerly await the next step, which is surely up!

 

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