Mount Isa's Sunny Raitava has narrowly lost his WBF Masters World heavyweight title after a split decision.
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Mount Isa's heavyweight boxer with Derricks Boxing Gym, Sunny Raitava, lost a razor-thin split decision defeat against Justin Clements in Caloundra on Saturday night.
Raitava was happy with his preparation leading into the fight but was thrown a curveball in the days prior, having to isolate for a 24 hour period with a COVID test after falling sick a couple of days beforehand.
"I came down early to the Sunshine Coast for better preparation but didn't see that coming", Raitava said.
"Justin was a tough opponent with an impressive boxing past. He too, trained incredibly hard and whilst disappointing, I'm taking from this that I lost by an extremely close split decision, and I'll need to work on those areas where I let myself down and didn't do enough.
Kim Gray, promoter of Undisputed Promotions said Clements gave away height and reach, but worked a tactical inside strategy which crowded Sunny.
"Justin's left hand continued to prove potent throughout the entire contest, and his tight guard proved the difference in a very close decision," Gray said.
"It was a great tactical contest with a back-and-forth bout, providing action and a masters clinic in skill demonstration."
Raitava said he drew on support from around Mount Isa.
"I'm proud to say I'm from Mount Isa and the support shown to me leading into the fight was special," he said/
"I didn't want to waste on that support and well wishes, and disappointed to not bring the title home. I'd like to go again for another opportunity to get the strap, but we'll see what happens."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
