Harry Garside Called Out for Winner-Takes-All Showdown

After his heartbreaking Olympics loss, Aussie boxer Harry Garside faces a new challenge from a domestic rival eager for a big-money, winner-takes-all showdown. Garside’s shock defeat from Hungarian Richard Kovacs in the first round of the Paris Olympics left him devastated. A bronze medalist in Tokyo, Garside had his sights set on gold in Paris but was brought to tears as the reality of his loss set in. Back in Australia, rising star Ahmad Reda quickly seized the moment, sharing a video of Garside’s defeat on Instagram. Reda, who lost to Garside in the final of the Olympic qualifiers last year, has been determined to get a rematch ever since. Despite Garside’s unanimous decision victory that secured his spot in Paris, Reda and his supporters were furious with the outcome.

“It’s really hard to get a decision against him, he’s the favorite,” Reda remarked. “Whether we like it or not, he’s the favorite and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Fast forward a year, and sources indicate that Reda has financial backers ready to offer $100,000 for a winner-take-all professional rematch. George Rose, the boss of No Limit Boxing, expressed interest in promoting the fight, noting its potential appeal. “They had a great battle, and when Ahmad fought with No Limit, he called out Harry, who was on commentary,” Rose said. “It’s one of those fights that’s building. It’s a fight people want to see. They’re both very talented—Harry’s fast and Ahmad’s powerful. It was a great amateur bout, and it would be a good fight in the pros. I’d love to do it.” Garside, who had three professional bouts with No Limit and won the Australian lightweight title before returning to the amateurs for Paris, has garnered universal admiration. Rose voiced support for Garside, saying, “We love Harry and we’re shattered for him. I know how hard he’s worked, and we wanted to see him go all the way”.