Expat Whanganui light heavyweight Robert Berridge picked up a crucial victory for his career by out-pointing well respected Taranaki fighter Sam Rapira in New Plymouth at the Taranaki Explosion show on Friday night.
Fighting under Rapira's (15-3) own promotion in the main event, Berridge (28-5-1) was able to rebound fromhis recent two defeats and remain the top ranked Kiwi fighter in his division following an energetic eight rounder at TSB Stadium.
The bout had been a gamble for both men as defeat was likely to see one move back down the rankings and close off international opportunities.
After sizing each other up in the opening rounds, where Rapira would grapple or try to use his reach advantage, Berridge began to get through with some power shots, while holding his arms out or rabbit punching the home town favourite's back to show the referee they should be separated.
A big exchange with ten seconds left in Round 3 told the story as Berridge looked to get under Rapira's reach and unload with his signature hooks, while the Taranaki fighter was absorbing a lot of punishment with his arms and gloves.
Round 6 was the highlight of the bout as Rapira landed some great counterpunches, trying to increase his urgency, but Berridge opened up his opponent's cheek and now had a target to aim at.
Entering the final rounds and Berridge, whose face was unmarked after previously being a heavy bleeder on his own cheekbones, had figured out Rapira's timing and connected beautifully with his hook, while ducking under Rapira's 1-2 combination jabs.
This suitably impressed the judges, who gave him a unanimous decision win.
The home town crowd tried to rally Rapira in the final round and booed when their guy slipped into the ropes and Berridge landed a blow to his back, but the scorecards did reflect a clear winner.
Berridge will now focus on his long awaited grudge match with Auckland's Adrian Taihia (15-2-2) in Auckland on October 28.
