HAMMOND HAMMERS TASCI IN FIVE

2012 Olympian Cameron Hammond stretched his unbeaten pro record to 13-0 and retained his WBA Oceania welterweight title with a blistering fifth round TKO of Sedat Tasci in Narrabri, New South Wales on Saturday night.

Hammond started off by controlling the action behind his jab before stepping things up in the third.

By the fourth Tasci, who is also a former Olympian, was getting frustrated and had to be warned on two occasions for rabbit punching.

Rather than discourage him, the infringements appeared to spur Cameron on and he began loading up with his right hand.

In the fifth, Hammond backed Tasci to the ropes and threw a double jab followed by a right cross that landed flush on the Turk’s chin and sent him to the canvas.

The fight could have ended there and then as Tasci was clearly stunned, but he bravely managed to beat referee Ray Wheatley’s count.

Sensing a finish, Hammond moved into range and unleashed a relentless barrage that caused Mr Wheatley to wave it off.

“I’m happy with my performance. It is my third stoppage win in a row and I’m feeling really strong at welterweight,” Hammond said.

“I knew when I hit him with my right hand it was pretty much over. He called me ‘a boy’ in the lead up to this fight, but I believe I showed him tonight that I’m for real.

“Huge thanks to Ricky Hatton for his time and effort in promoting me. It’s been a dream come true since signing for Hatton Promotions and I really appreciate it. He’s the best in the business. Also, a big thank you to all the support that travelled from Moree.”

Manager Matt Clark said: “Easily Cameron’s best performance as a professional. Tasci is an experienced fighter who is an Olympian himself.

“He tried to rattle Cammo with some rough tactics, but we saw Cameron’s aggression come out. The right hand was Thomas Hearns like, straight down the pipe. Full credit to Tasci for somehow beating the count. There aren’t many welters who could stand up to that.”