Former Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers has taken care of business against Geelong champion Cameron Mooney with a third-round knockout victory at Margaret Court Arena.
Two knockdowns, in the first and third rounds, proved enough with the referee stopping the fight after a strike which left Mooney in a bad state.
Mooney was giving up almost 24 kilograms and 10 years to Bellchambers, and the ex-Bomber’s size was a clear advantage early.
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While the Cats champion had more energy and landed a heavy right hand midway through the first round which left Bellchambers dazed, a short right hand sent Mooney – who was already off-balance – to the canvas and tumbling into the bottom rope.
After a cagey start to the second round Bellchambers shoved Mooney to the mat which was not counted as a knockdown. It was otherwise an even two minutes.
The third and final round saw Mooney strike early before he was caught again and then suffered a brutal shot which immediately ended the fight.
“Lights out. That’s boxing,” Billy Dib said on commentary.
In front of his “ugly big brother” Tyson Fury, Bellchambers was thrilled with the result.
“Was as fun as I thought it was gonna be … that was amazing,” he said post-fight.
“He caught me with a good one in the first and a couple of good ones in the last there. I kept my feet and landed the one that counted.”
NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell claimed earlier on Wednesday on his social media he would be fighting the winner.
Foxsports.com.au reported on Tuesday ex-Brisbane and Carlton hard nut Mitch Robinson was being heavily considered for the winner, along with three NRL players – Melbourne’s Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Roosters prop Matt Lodge and Siosiua Taukeiaho.
Bellchambers said he was “not sure” about a second fight but would return to the gym.
“I’m a 43-year-old man that wanted to get in the ring for a long time,” Mooney said.
“I tick this one off the bucket list.”