Hoppa and Foley look to bounce back on ONE HD

[Marlin]

JOHN Hopoate will defend his Australian heavyweight boxing title next month as he attempts to bounce back from his recent loss to former world champion Oliver McCall.

Former rugby league star Hopoate, who was stopped in the second round by McCall in Las Vegas last month, will return to the ring on July 23. He will appear on one of the four One HD boxing promotions, which will be launched in Sydney on Thursday.

Hopoate's trainer and manager, David Millward, said the potential opponents for Hopoate, whose professional record stands at 11-3, included Bob Mirovic, the man he took the title from last September, or another former Australian champion Colin Wilson.

Millward said his 34-year-old charge had almost immediately resumed training after returning from his loss in the United States. "Hoppa is very disappointed but he's got a bitter determination now,'' Millward said.

Hopoate's stablemate, light heavyweight Kerry Foley, who suffered the first loss of his professional career on his American debut in California last month, is also scheduled to appear on the July 23 promotion.

Foley, 21, suffered a six round points loss to American journeyman Terrance Smith a week after Hopoate's defeat. "I had a meeting with them both (Foley and Hopoate) on Saturday and questioned them on what we could do different, because it seemed both of them had stage fright,'' Millward said.

Foley, who lost for the first time in 12 professional fights, suffered a fractured cheek bone and was told he couldn't spar for four weeks. Millward said Hopoate would go back to the US within a couple of months of his July fight.

[toppity]

I know this sounds harsh, and is probably untrue, but after reading that I picture two australian boxers returning from the states with there tail between their respective legs.

[Marlin]

I know this sounds harsh, and is probably untrue, but after reading that I picture two australian boxers returning from the states with there tail between their respective legs.

I'm hoping it is more with fire in their belly.

[apeman]

I'm glad to hear these guys are getting right back to it. July 23 might be a bit soon for foley if he suffered a fractured cheekbone it seems to me, but dammit Jim, I'm a boxing website poster, not a doctor!