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Hoskings Promotions/UltraTune Fight Night: PhysioLife sponsored athlete Mat Sheehan wins again!

Hoskings Promotions/UltraTune Fight Night: PhysioLife sponsored athlete Mat Sheehan wins again!

By Matt Ho

Director James and Senior Physiotherapist Matt made their way to Malvern Town Hall on Saturday night to watch PhysioLIfe Sponsored athlete Mat Sheehan fight Sydney native Stephen Ma. It was to be Sheehan’s first fight since breaking his hand in November, and promised to be a good contest against an unknown but willing opponent.

 Sheehan had a rough camp leading up to the fight, injuring his knee and suffering from some shoulder pain. Thankfully, James and co managed to keep Mat training with some treatment and workout modifications, ensuring preparation for the fight was not negatively affected.

Little was known about Stephen Ma leading into the fight, but his strategy was obvious from the outset: try to engage the more skilled Sheehan in an up-close war of attrition. Ma marched forward almost constantly, ensuring Sheehan was confined in large parts to boxing from the back foot.


The early rounds saw the orthodox Ma struggle to find his range against the southpaw Sheehan, as is often the case with orthodox/southpaw battles. Ma’s heavy hooks fell well short, allowing Sheehan the luxury of picking his shots from distance. Sheehan had Ma hurt several times in the first half of the fight, but the Sydney-sider showed his heart and chin, surviving several brutal barrages against the ropes. These forays were usually initiated by Sheehan’s sharp counter left hands.

The pace slowed noticeably in the second half of the fight, and Ma continued to walk forward throwing heavy shots. Sheehan was clipped several times in the 6th and 7th rounds as the bout sporadically descended into an in-close brawl. Even so, Sheehan was able to get the better of the exchanges before angling out and again launching his attacks from distance.


The 8th and last round saw plenty of action, but the theme continued and Sheehan was too slick for the tough and courageous Ma. The scores reflected the relatively one-sided affair, with Sheehan winning all 8 rounds 80-72 to create some momentum for the rest of 2019. Well done Mat from the team at PhysioLIfe, and I am sure we will all be at your next fight!

Images courtesy of Steve Dilks - SAA Imaging via Hosking Promotions

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