Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn’s cage fight rematch in Kalgoorlie postponed due to COVID lockdown

It will be at least three weeks before Geraldton’s mayor steps into the ring again.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane “Stone Cold” Van Styn was due to fight Tomoana “Wrecker” Wijohn on Saturday in a rematch of Van Styn’s first competitive fight.

Coach Paul Barrett said the fight had now been postponed until July 24 because of lockdown in Perth and the Peel region, leaving preparations high and dry.

“The Kalgoorlie cage fight with the mayor has been postponed until late July,” Barrett said.

“It’s difficult to navigate the fight game with COVID-19 breathing down our neck.

“As a trainer, you set your fighter to peak for fight night.

“Delays like this change the trainers’ plans, and with the very real chance of further lockdowns, it’s a tough road.”

Barrett will be in Van Styn’s corner, along with experienced local boxer Kelly Crocos as his second.

Van Styn, pictured above, went down to a decision loss to Wijohn in Geraldton in April at the Fists of Fury charity promotion. The stakes are higher this time, with a win for Van Styn meaning he would bring back both the Geraldton super heavyweight belt and the newly created Kalgoorlie belt. The Kalgoorlie event is due to be held in a cage.

“We’re going to get the Geraldton title back, and they’ve put the Kalgoorlie title on the line, too,” Van Styn said.

“I think I’m a good chance of getting revenge.”

It will be Crocos’ first time in another fighter’s corner, and she said she was looking forward to the occasion.

The 163cm boxer has one unanimous win and one loss in her career, along with two split decisions. She also fights at Barrett’s gym.

“I’m really looking forward to it so I can get a different perspective on a fight night, as opposed to being a fighter on the night,” Crocos said.