The Australian National Boxing Federation (ANBF) will have to sort out a dispute over the vacant domestic lightweight title. Both TGW & Smithy's Promotions and Hoskings Promotions wanted to host the bout for the vacant Australian lightweight title between Gaige Ireland (6-3-2) and Brent Rice (8-1) and it went to purse bids.  On April 13th, the ANBF announced Hoskings won the purse bid and would host the bout on June 22nd at Malvern Town hall. (Hoskings promotes Ireland), However it now appears it won't. "ANBF National secretary Andrew Campbell contacted me this week to advise me Lyndon Hosking notified the ANBF that the date he had based his purse bid on for the Australian light weight title had changed to July 27th. As a result the winning bid by Lyndon Hosking has been declared null and void and second placed purse bid by myself is now the selected bid ," Brendon Smith said. "To me it's pretty straight forward, Brent Rice vs Gaige Ireland for the Australian lightweight title here in Toowoomba on July 13th. (Smith promotes Rice).

 

The Aussie title is currently vacant after Jacob Ng (10-0) relinquished the belt. Ng holds a win over Ireland. In the ANBF ratings, Ireland is ranked number one and Rice number two.

 

Smith continued, "We went into the purse bid in good faith, we put our best foot forward hoping to secure the bout, we were unsuccessful, Brent Rice honored the deal and is prepping to fight in Melbourne on June 22. Now that Lyndon Hoskings purse bid has been declared null and void by the ANBF, Gaige Ireland's camp should be mandated to honor the ANBF ruling just like Brent Rice has. From our end it's pretty simple for Gaige Ireland it's either a yes or a no. If it's a no, we rightfully should be given approval from the ANBF to seek out another contender to face Brent Rice for the Aussie title. "Either way I trust the ANBF will honor the purse bid, They've ruled Hoskings Promotions bid null and void so Smithy's Promotions is therefore now the successful bidder.

 

Smith summed up, "We've earned the right for the bout to be staged in Toowoomba and Brent Rice has earned the right to be in one corner and Gaige Ireland has earned the right to be in the other corner. The ball is firmly in Gaige Ireland's court."   

 

 

 

 

 

 

On paper it's a great match up of two Aussie fighters who are seeking a second Australian title.

 

Rice is the former National super featherweight champ and Ireland is the former light weight National champ.

 

"They're recognised by the ANBF as the top two fighters in the lightweight division," Smith said.

 

"Brent is moving up in weight after campaigning all of his career as a super featherweight.

 

"Purse bid rules dictate the fight will be in Toowoomba on July 13 on TGW & Smithy Brings the Big fights 23.

 

"Now I trust the ANBF will enforce their own rules.

 

"I believe the ANBF should mandate Gaige Ireland's camp to advise whether they accept the bout, if not we need to get moving on sorting a suitable replacement.

 

"July 13 isn't far away, we want this sorted as soon as possible." 

 

 

The Aussie title is currently vacant after recent holder Jacob Ng relinquished the belt. In the ANBF ratings Gaige Ireland is ranked number one and Brent Rice number two.