Stephen Legierski too strong for Cameron Bulley in IBKF title fight at Knees of Fury 58

STEPHEN Legierski punched hard and kicked harder to become the new IBKF super-middleweight champion at Knees of Fury 58 on Saturday night. Ben Harvy reports.

Stephen Legierski knocks Cameron Bulley to the canvas in Round 2 of their title fight at the Dom Polski Centre. Photo: Adam Orlowski

STEPHEN Legierski punched hard and kicked harder to become the new IBKF super-middleweight champion at Knees of Fury 58 on Saturday night.

And when it comes to what’s next for his fight career, he pulls no punches.

“You never know who’s watching from the outside and who wants to take it from you,” Legierski said.

“The win opens me up to a lot more skilled fighters Australia wide. The south pacific title could open up to me.

“I’m ready, I’ll fight anybody.”

The clear crowd favourite scored a unanimous decision win over tough Perth youngster Cameron Bulley at the packed-out Dom Polski Centre.

The 19-year-old, who had a considerable reach advantage over Legierski, was relentless with his attack during the five round fight.

“He still got me,” Legierski said.

“Being that tall makes everything a bit slower so you can see it coming but I just didn’t expect it to keep coming and keep reaching the distance.”

Legierski, 25, was patient in round one and didn’t make his move until part-way through the second.

“I gave him a hook and I saw his head go a little bit blank,” he said.

Legierski closes the distance and lands a right hand on Bulley. Photo: Adam Orlowski.

“I went for it and gave him a straight right and then an inside backfist, then another straight right and I got a good knockdown.”

Patience is one of Legierski’s best weapons and the new champ (10W-1L) loves to play the role of counter-striker.

“It just gives you more time to read your opponent,” he said.

“I want to know what my opponent can do with his range and then how he leave himself open and what shots can I take.

“Cameron wanted it and he was hungry.”

Legierski will now take some time off over winter and is aiming for an October-November return to the ring.

In another memorable bout form KOF 58, CardioFlex heavyweight Benji Fono impressed with a huge KO win over Victoria’s Glen McGowan.

Fono, for his first professional win, stopped McGowan in the first round with a devastating left hand.

Benji Fono knocks out Glen McGowan at Knees of Fury 58. Photo: Adam Orlowski

Originally published as Stephen Legierski too strong for Cameron Bulley in IBKF title fight at Knees of Fury 58