Anthony Mundine vs Sam Soliman 1

Foxtel's Main Event channel has the above boxing match on repeat, free of charge, to generate interest in Wednesday night's rematch.

The first meeting between "The Man" and "The King" took place in Wollongong on September 3, 2001. The IBF Pan-Pacific Super-Middleweight Title was on the line and the fight went the full 12 rounds.

When the split decision favoured Mundine, sections of the crowd began jeering and pelting stuff. He was rushed from the building by minders while Soliman stood on the ring ropes, arms raised as if he'd won.

The bout has since acquired "controversial" status, so I was interested to rewatch it today to see whether the victory was truly deserved. I sat down with pad and pencil and scored the rounds myself.

There's no question it was close - just listen to the commentators, who switch sides and contradict themselves repeatedly. But my unofficial card says Anthony pipped Sam 117-116.

I can understand why the spectators got upset as Soliman was constantly on the attack and seemed to finish the stronger (or at least the fitter). However, his punches rarely connected and never seemed to inflict any serious damage.

When Mundine stopped dodging, deflecting and trapping his opponent's arms, his counter-flurries almost always included at least one clean blow. He visibly rocked Soliman on a couple of occasions.

I've got nothing against The King personally, but The Man's the superior boxer and I hope he proves it once and for all in Sydney this week - and claims the WBA Super-Middleweight World Title.