Pakenham boxer Jesse Backman is PAKENHAM heavyweight Jesse Backman won his toughest bout in his short amateur boxing career, defeating stocky and rugged Mohamed Hammoud from Fitzroy Gym, who was number seven in the Australian ratings.
Backman won Sunday’s tough and scrappy fight at the Reggio Calabria Club in Brunswick on points.
It had been an emotional week for Backman and his family, who earlier attended the funeral of his cousin Private Jake Kovco, who died of a gunshot wound in Iraq.
Before the bout, the Amateur Boxing Association and the crowd paid their respects in tribute to the fallen soldier, along with several boxing identities who also recently passed away. Backman also wore a black armband in memory of his cousin.
Both fighters have reputations as big hitters and Backman was met by the aggressive Hammoud, who came storming from his corner at the start of the first round.
Following an exchange of blows, Hammoud bulldozed Backman into a corner but the referee called a break and cautioned the Fitzroy boxer for foul blows.
The brawling Hammoud again forced Backman to the ropes and pinned him, unleashing big left and right hands to the body and head. As Backman retaliated several of Hammoud’s blows found their mark and the referee quickly intervened, placing a standing eight count on the Pakenham boxer. Hammoud sensed victory and came charging in before the bell sounded the end of the torrid first round, which went to Hammoud.
The second round started better for Backman as he boxed and moved, catching Hammoud with lefts and rights.
Again Hammoud resorted to wrestling tactics, which had Backman on the ropes, but he was able to block most of the blows.
The referee cautioned Hammoud on two more occasions for wrestling and for fouling, using his head.
Despite the scrappy contest, Backman was able to land the cleaner scoring punches and a close round went to the Pakenham fighter.
In the final round in the contest Hammoud charged forward again, forcing Backman into a corner. But the courageous Pakenham boxer held his ground and went toetotoe in a heated exchange, putting Hammoud on the back foot for the first time in the fight.
The referee stepped in and gave Hammoud another warning for mauling and both fighters dug deep in search of a win.
Hammoud was unable to stop Backman, who unleashed several uppercuts followed by hooks as his opponent grappled to hold.
The referee decided enough cautions had been issued and motioned to the judges to deduct a point from Hammoud, which was greeted with applause from sections of the crowd.
The Pakenham boxer landed some important scoring hits to win a close round.
In a fight that looked as though it could go either way, veteran ring announcer Howard Leigh declared Backman the winner, 3228.
The day was promoted as the annual Lionel Rose Cup tournament, which was engraved on the trophies presented to each winner.
Backman dedicated his victory to his fallen cousin.
His younger brother Bobby was unable to be matched with an opponent on the card, however the brothers hope to be matched with opponents at the next amateur fight day to be held at Edithvale RSL on Sunday, 28 May.
