Box: Brad Pitt in Games turkey with a twist

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2008
Box: Brad Pitt in Games turkey with a twist

(EDS: Updates with super heavyweight Daniel Beahan eliminated)



By Laine Clark

BEIJING, Aug 13 AAP - In Hollywood terms, Brad Pitt's appearance at the Beijing Olympics
was a turkey.

But like most productions boasting that name, a sequel followed.

Heavily-hyped heavyweight Pitt bombed today, going down 11-6 in a points decision to
Morocco's Mohammed Arjaoui tonight.

And as a frustrated Pitt walked away contemplating his boxing future, the Australian
camp once again questioned the Olympic judges' scoring.

Pitt appeared to have a case, especially in the second round when he landed clear punches
that were not scored.

Thinking he was ahead when he came out in the third round, Pitt was 4-2 behind instead.

The Australians were also left shaking their heads over bouts involving middleweight
Jarrod Fletcher, light welterweight Todd Kidd and flyweight Stephen Sutherland earlier
in the week.

Australian assistant Mick Daly was clearly fuming tonight but deferred the spotlight to Pitt.

"I definitely came back after the second round. I thought I was at least up a point
but I was down two points - but that's the way it goes," he said.

At least the Australians couldn't complain about their other bout tonight.

The referee stopped the contest in just 49 seconds after Australian super heavyweight
Daniel Beahan copped a pounding in his first round bout with Kazazhstan's Ruslan Myrsatavyev.

Australia are desperate to break a 20-year boxing medal drought at the Olympics - but
their options are limited at Beijing to say the least.

Only lightweight Anthony Little has claimed a first round victory in the nine-strong team.

Pitt was out to make a name for himself at the Games and his pedigree was impressive.

He was the first Australian heavyweight to claim Commonwealth Games gold at Melbourne in 2006.

And the Australian camp believed Pitt's awkward style and heavy hands would provide
a winning combination at the Games.

No disrespect to Pitt but it wasn't his prowess but his film star name that attracted
an international media presence at his fight tonight.

While previous Australian boxers had not received a second look, journalists emerged
from the woodwork to watch the Victorian painter at the Beijing Workers' Gymnasium.

"There was a bit of expectation but I was confident I could get through, and I had
a good draw," said Pitt, predictably nicknamed Hollywood.

"I can't complain too much. What has happened is in the past. I've just got to move on."

AAP lc/jds

KEYWORD: OLY08 BOX AUST NIGHTLEAD

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