By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photos: Standout Photo/Neutral Corner Promotions

Australian super-middleweight Bilal Akkawy (17-0-1, 14 KOs) outscored Italy’s former WBA super middleweight champion Giovanni De Carolis (25-9-1, 13 KOs) over ten rounds to retain the WBA Oceania title on Saturday at the Club Punchbowl in Sydney. Scores at the conclusion were 99-90, 99-90, 100-89.

From the opening round both De Carolis and Akkawy connected with power shots to the head and body, but a no point did either boxer look in danger of visiting the canvas. The former world champion was warned several times for holding and in round four referee Justin Kennedy deducted a point from DeCarolis. The pace of the fight never slowed down and as the bell sounded to end round ten the fans gave the boxers a standing ovation.

Promoter Paul Nasari said, “What a great performance by Giovanni DeCarolis and Bilal Akkawy. They gave the fans a great fight. The Akkawy management are looking for a big name and said they are interested in Chris Eubank Jr who is coming off a loss to George Groves. Eubank won the IBO world title from the Aussie Renold Quinlan in ten rounds. Hall of Fame trainer Johnny Lewis was in Bilal’s corner was happy with his performance though he wanted him to use his left jab more often.”