Graf Ramadan bout has historic punchline

By Mike Gandon
Updated November 6 2012 - 3:19am, first published February 13 2012 - 9:29am
Wollongong's German-born boxer Alesia Graf. Picture: ROB PEET
Wollongong's German-born boxer Alesia Graf. Picture: ROB PEET

When world-class female boxers Alesia Graf and Susie Q Ramadan touch gloves in Melbourne next Friday, they will create history in Australian boxing.In the ring at the Melbourne Pavilion, Flemington, will be Wollongong’s WBU and WBF world bantamweight champion Graf (pictured) and Australia’s first female world champion, former IBF world super bantamweight titleholder Ramadan, making it the biggest deal in Australian female boxing history.This fight between Graf and Ramadan will be an official WBC world title eliminator with the winner to fight for the WBC world title belt.Graf trains at Wollongong’s University Recreation and Aquatic Centre gymnasium with trainer Lee Murray. She captured the imagination of the Illawarra sporting community when she won the WBF and WBU world titles by outclassing and outpunching Thailand’s Jubjang Lookmakarmwan at the Fraternity Club last December.The German-born boxer, who is proud to now call Wollongong home, showed steely determination and skill in the boxing ring to claim her two world title belts.Graf took only one week off after winning the belts before resuming training.She is proud that the Wollongong public now embrace her as their own.‘‘My match in Wollongong was a major step forward for my goal to be No1 in Australia,’’ Graf said.‘‘I am even fitter now and ready to take on this next challenge.’’Now she will be facing off against the classy experienced counterpuncher Ramadan.‘‘I’m very excited. It’s going to be a big fight,’’ Graf said.‘‘I’m in very good form. I’m not afraid of Susie Q because I believe in myself and I know I have a wonderful team behind me. And I’m the champ.‘‘When I win, I can box for the WBC world title.’’Graf’s business partner from Graf Promotions, Anja Gantner, has watched her progress over the past three years.‘‘I believe this is a chance to show the Australian public that they have a real champion in their midst,’’ Gantner said. ‘‘She hopes to make Australia proud.’’Tickets are available by phoning 0413 654 999. The fight will be telecast live on Fox Sports.

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