Coleman is stopped in five Down Under

Troi Coleman…beaten by big punching Isaac Hardman

TROI Coleman – the Burntwood boxer who captured titles after moving to Thailand – rolled the dice Down Under and fell short.

The middle was overwhelmed by Aussie puncher Isaac Hardman in five rounds yesterday (Wednesday) morning at Newcastle Entertainment Centre, New South Wales.

The 28-year-old was dropped in the fourth by a fighter who carries the menacing ring name “The Headsplitter”. With legs betraying him, Coleman was rescued by referee Will Soulas after taking a succession of heavy rights.

Victory earned Hardman, who has lost only two of 17, the WBO inter-continental belt.

For Coleman, defeat dented a story befitting any fight novel. After losing to River Wilson-Bent for the Midlands title, he relocated to Thailand, won six of seven, fought in Dubai and collected the WBC Asian Continental title.

Hardman was simply too much of a beast for the Staffordshire man. He landed withering right hook to the body in the first and connected with a booming right to the head in the second.

There were signs Coleman was beginning to ride the storm in the third, but hope was effectively extinguished a round later.

He was clubbed to the floor and lurched drunkenly around the ring as Hardman flung shots. The bell came to his rescue.

The reprieve was momentary. After three booming rights to the top of his head again sent Troi reeling back, the ref rightly stepped in.

Hardman may be right hand happy, but he can certainly bang.

On facebook, Coleman told fans: “First off, I'm gutted and sorry that I couldn't come away with this victory.

“I was well up for this fight and had a great camp, was in the best condition. I got caught with  two shots, I was really enjoying the fight up until then, but my legs just didn't get back under me in time.

“Credit to Isaac, a known puncher. He didn't let me off and the referee made the right call because my legs weren't right for a good couple of minutes after!

“Overall, it was an amazing experience, one I can't really appreciate too much right now. But I know I'll be tasting many more of these in the future and I will win more titles!

“Today is a hard day for me, not just the boxing, but other bad news that's struck the family which I found out after the fight. To be honest, it really puts things in perspective about what really is important in life!

“Sad that I'm so far from my loved ones, but I'm still feeling the love. God bless you all. No need to worry about me and believe me when I say I’ll be back.”

Coleman, who lost for the third time in 15 outings, will fight on and his next move will be interesting.

Perhaps it’s time to return to Britain. His Thai adventure – and belts that went with it – will make him popular with promoters back home.