Brock remains upbeat after first loss

POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Gisborne-born boxer, Shaye Walker-Brock (green trunks) is shown here in a fight last year. File picture

GISBORNE-BORN boxer Shay Brock is staying positive after losing a fight for the vacant IBF youth super welterweight title on Friday in Melbourne.

The NZPBA super welterweight champion was outpointed over ten rounds by former Australian middleweight champion Dwight Ritchie (with a record of 16 wins — two by knockout — and one loss) in a unanimous decision.

It was the first loss of Auckland-based Brock’s professional career, taking his record to 12 wins (six by knockout), one loss and one draw.

“It was a tough fight,” the 25-year old said.

“Hats off to Ritchie. He is a good fighter, and exposed my weaknesses in the early rounds.”

Brock gained some momentum back later in the fight, landing cutting blows over both of Ritchie’s eyes, but it came too late.

“I think I was doing more damage, but he was landing more shots. I fought well, but not well enough for the win.

“Fighting on foreign land you need to put an exclamation mark in to get the win, and I didn’t do that.”

Brock said while he felt ready physically, he was not as prepared for the mental side of fighting across the ditch as he thought he was.

“It was a very humbling experience going to a foreign country, into a hostile environment, with little support, and then expect to pull off the fight of your life. I think in the past I have taken having home crowd advantage for granted.”

Brock thanked his family, coaches and supporters for backing him throughout his professional career.

“I am just happy to have had this opportunity to fight for a world title.”

After a “tough year” Brock is looking forward to taking some time out from the gym over the Christmas period before assessing his options in the new year.

“I am definitely not done with boxing.”