Thunderdome 49 kicked off 2025 with a bang as Dragon Fire Promotions delivered an action-packed night of fights last Friday. The event, held in Western Australia, showcased rising talents and thrilling matchups, headlined by Josh Byrne, who claimed his first WA State Welterweight Championship after an intense battle against Habib Kheriakah.
The night also saw Owen Corrigan and Ryan Daye extend their unbeaten streaks, solidifying their status as two of the sport’s most promising prospects.
Josh Byrne Secures State Championship with Victory Over Habib Kheriakah
In the main event, Josh Byrne delivered a career-defining performance, outclassing Habib Kheriakah to secure a unanimous decision victory and claim the WA State Welterweight Championship.
Coming off two impressive wins in 2024, Byrne had set his sights on championship gold. However, many were surprised when the young Aussie was given a title shot this early in the year. With last-minute changes to the card—following the withdrawals of Joel Lewis and Jude Grant—Byrne found himself headlining Thunderdome 49 for the first time in his young career.
Despite the pressure, Byrne proved he was more than ready. The fight opened at a blistering pace, with Kheriakah launching aggressive attacks in the early rounds. Byrne, however, stayed composed and consistently found success with his jab and lead right hand.
By the third round, Byrne began to target the body, landing clean left hooks that visibly slowed his opponent. The final rounds saw Byrne’s superior conditioning and precise striking take full control, as he dictated the exchanges until the final bell.
When the scorecards were read, Byrne was awarded a clear unanimous decision victory, marking a significant milestone in his career. With youth on his side and a championship belt around his waist, the future looks bright for this rising Australian prospect.
Owen Corrigan Stays Unbeaten with Victory Over Liang Wang
In the co-main event, Ireland’s Owen "Bomber" Corrigan continued his perfect start as a pro, securing a unanimous decision win over Liang Wang.
Corrigan, who burst onto the scene with a knockout victory over King Fahd last November, entered the fight looking to keep his momentum rolling. The Irish fighter controlled the early rounds with his sharp jabs and lead hooks, using his footwork to avoid Wang’s aggressive advances.
Wang found some success in round three, managing to back Corrigan onto the ropes. However, Corrigan responded well in the final round, pushing the pace and forcing Wang to fight on the back foot.
The judges ultimately favored Corrigan’s cleaner striking and tactical approach, awarding him the unanimous decision win. With his record now at 2-0, Corrigan is proving himself to be a name to watch in the super featherweight division.
Ryan Daye Dismantles Rivo Kundaming Ahead of Tszyu Undercard Appearance
Ryan Daye made a major statement at Thunderdome 49, stopping Rivo Kundaming in the second round to remain undefeated.
The Perth native, who is set to feature on the Tim Tszyu vs. Joey Spencer undercard next month in Newcastle, showcased his power and precision in a dominant performance.
From the opening bell, Daye pressed forward aggressively, landing crisp jabs before targeting the body with vicious hooks. Kundaming had no answers, struggling to cope with Daye’s relentless offense.
In the second round, Daye unleashed a brutal combination to the body, sending Kundaming to the canvas. The Indonesian fighter winced in pain as the referee waved off the bout, awarding Daye another knockout victory.
Post-fight, Daye addressed the crowd, emphasizing that he was "taking every opportunity with both hands." With his next fight set on a major stage, Daye is riding the perfect wave of momentum heading into Newcastle.
Full Thunderdome 49 Results:
🥊 Josh Byrne def. Habib Kheriakah – Unanimous Decision (Wins WA State Welterweight Championship)
🥊 Owen Corrigan def. Liang Wang – Unanimous Decision
🥊 Billy Quincroft def. Alex Muster – KO (Round 1)
🥊 Jye Chin def. Jack Briggs – Unanimous Decision
🥊 Charlie Burca def. Shomeek Saha – Unanimous Decision
🥊 Bilal Seidu def. Will Cleggett – Majority Decision
🥊 Sam Rennie def. Dedi Imprax – KO (Round 3)
🥊 Binny Folan def. Rusty Oates – Split Decision
🥊 Gabriel Ichkanian def. Darren Quincroft – TKO (Round 2)
🥊 Ryan Daye def. Rivo Kundaming – KO (Round 2)
🥊 Devon Kelly def. Tanaka Saburi – Split Decision
🥊 Riley Sparks def. Marvelous Aligba – Unanimous Decision (Exhibition Fight)
🥊 Rigor Angles def. Mitch Arnold – Unanimous Decision
Final Thoughts:
Thunderdome 49 set the tone for an exciting year ahead in Australian boxing, with Josh Byrne claiming his first state championship, Owen Corrigan proving his class, and Ryan Daye showcasing his knockout power ahead of a career-defining fight.
With more action-packed cards on the horizon, expect to see these names make even bigger waves in 2025!
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