Boxing: Jackson makes statement with KO

TGA BOX Health & Fitness manager Chris Walker, Gunnar Jackson and manager Craig Thomson following Jackson's successful defence of his WBO Oriental middleweight title in Hamilton on Saturday night. Photo / Supplied

Tauranga professional boxer Gunnar 'The Stunna' Jackson (20-5-3) has topped off an outstanding year with a comprehensive defence of his WBO Oriental middleweight title.

Jackson, who went the distance on short notice with a resurgent Anthony Mundine earlier this year, opened up Australian Kurt Bahram with a snapping left hook in the first round for an early stoppage in Hamilton on Saturday night to the great pleasure of the attendant 'Stunna Army'.

Jackson weighed in at an even 72kg on Friday, vowing he was "ready to bang" to keep his strap.

He kept his word and put the rest of the division on notice with a performance that reads more like a statement.

"It was the first time he had been brutally cut like that ... the ref stopped the fight 1.29mins into the first round," Jackson said.

"I was pretty surprised to have the ref stop the fight ... he had a huge cut above his right eye. We had the mindset to get the fight done within eight rounds, but not in the first, so we're pretty happy with the win."

Jackson admitted seeing the cut had a similar effect as a red rag to a bull.

"It's not nice looking at it after the fight. But in the heat of the moment I just wanted to get him out of there but didn't get the chance to."

He was pleased his title would "stay where it belongs", and thanked trainer Chris Walker, family, promoters, sponsors A1 Homes, MorrowBuilt, Phil's Place, Fulton Hogan (TEL) and a host of sparring partners for preparing him for a fight that should see him achieve a top 12 WBO world ranking.

A world title shot is the aim, with Jackson hopeful an opportunity will arise following another impressive title defence next year that would see him surge into the top 10.

A well-earned break with family is on the cards, but you can bet the drainlayer born with a perfect boxer's name will not be indulging too much over the summer months.