Joey Leilua defeated Chris Heighington by unanimous decision but it was the former NRL star’s wife who stole the show.
In what was a fairly close contest which saw Heighington throw some solid punches, Leilua ended up on top and edged slightly ahead in the first two rounds to win by decision.
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The former Tigers centre was quick to call out the “haters” after the fight, sending a message to those who claimed he wouldn’t last the duration of the fight.
“For all those haters that f—ing said I can’t last four rounds, thanks mate,” Leilua said post-fight.
“You gave me the inspiration tonight. I knew I could fight, I just wanted to f—ing show the whole world that I could f—ing last four rounds.
“You stare on top of me being fat and can’t last four rounds, you know what? F— yourselves, there you go.”
After Leilua was awarded the win, his wife rushed into the ring and kissed him but then as she moved back out through the ropes the cameras caught her flipping the bird at someone while tearing them a new one.
Apparently her heated reaction was to former NRL bad boy John Hopoate, who was in attendance and calling out Leilua after he was named the winner.
“What was interesting was after the fight, John Hopoate — who’s here in the audience — went over to his corner and appeared to be calling him out,” Main Event commentator Paul Kent said.
“And Joey’s wife, who we might have just caught there on the vision, and also Joey’s trainer told him where he could go.”
Both men clashed before Wednesday’s fight but Heighington was complementary after the bout was done.
“He pressured well and held me well. Credit to Joey, everyone hates on him but I can see the good in the guy. All the best over in England, Joey,” he said.
“We had a chat early days in the promo and he was OK. I’m not judging him on what he said before the fight. All the best to him.”
“I’m stoked I got in here. I’m 39-years-old, I just took on a bit of a beast so I’m pretty proud. Didn’t get the W but, who cares I got in there and had a go.”
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