MOUNT Annan boxer Daniel Geale gave a great account of himself last week but it was not enough to stop Anthony Mundine taking the Grange Old School Boxing fighter's International Boxing Organisation [IBO] middleweight world title.

There was a big contingent from the gym to cheer on Geale, including Rob Medley, who led ``The Real Deal'' out holding the world title belt.

The judges had to decide the winner after both men were still standing after 12 rounds at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Mundine prevailed in a split points decision with one judge scoring 116-113 to Mundine, another giving it to Geale 115-113 and the final judge scoring 114-113 in Mundine's favour.

It was a close fight with Geale unhurt following a second round knockdown.

The only blow that really did some damage to Geale was when Mundine caught him with an illegal punch below the belt.

He told the Advertiser that ``it's lucky they make the groin guards pretty strong nowadays''.

Geale appeared to have his opponent in some trouble in the 10th round when Mundine sustained a cut to his left eye but he defended well and finished strongly in the the final two rounds.

The new, dual champion admitted that Geale, the 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, gave him a tough fight.

Several times during the fight, Mundine had to stop because of problems with the tape around his right wrist.

Geale admitted that the stoppages were ``a bit annoying''.

While Mundine says he is looking for ``bigger fish to fry'', against the likes of Kelly Pavlik, Geale is also targeting a higher level of competition for his next bout.

The 28-year-old is relaxing with his family and will then look for someone to challenge for a World Boxing Organisation [WBO] bout to propel him back to where he belongs in the world rankings. He relishes the opportunity to fight in front of a big crowd and a shot at a WBO world title would certainly satisfy Geale if no rematch with Mundine was forthcoming.

Still on boxing, Lenny Zappavigna of Leppington knocked out Indonesia's former lightweight and featherweight champion Moses Seran in the first round at Club Marconi on Friday.

Let me know your opinion on Geale's fight at wollondillyadvertiser.com.au.