New Zealand boxer Shane Cameron has been unable to fulfil his dream of winning the IBO Cruiserwight World Championship, losing a unanimous points decision to Australian Danny Green in Melbourne.
Natural heavyweight Cameron had to shed almost eight kilos to make the catch-weight of 89kg - under the regulation cruiserweight mark of 90.7.
However he still held a significant weight advantage over the former champion, but was unable to use effectively as he was outmuscled by Green.
Green reclaimed the IBO crown that he lost last year to American
Antonio Tarver, who was later stripped for doping which left the
belt vacant.
The 39-year-old West Australian, who is tipped to retire after this
fight, showed he still had the speed and firepower to outclass his
bigger opponent.
After sending American Monte Barrett to the canvas in spectacular fashion in his last start, Cameron was expected to bully Green but the Australian had his measure.
Cameron's hefty weight loss didn't appear to affect his stamina
and the contest remained a fairly even affair throughout with both
boxers landing some heavy blows.
Trailing on points, the only way Cameron was going to become the
first New Zealand-born professional boxer in more than a century to
win a world title was a knock-out but Green was too experienced to
let that happen, keeping away from the Kiwi's dangerous right hand
in the last round.
The three judges scored the fight 119-109, 116-112 and 116-113.
Cameron was taken by surprise by Green's tactics, attempting to
outmuscle him despite the weight discrepancy.
Green paid tribute to his sparring partners who helped him prepare
to fight the bigger man.
"I knew if I needed to work inside I could work inside and I
out-muscled a much bigger man," Green said.
"I'm so happy and very, very proud to have won."
Asked post-fight if he planned to retire Green dodged the question
and replied: "I'm going to be an Aussie and get on the cans with
the boys."