Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn to fight Scott Grieves for Geraldton super heavyweight belt at Fists of Fury

WA’s most famous boxing mayor is set to return to the ring for a second fight, a year and two cancelled bouts after his first — and the title of Geraldton super heavyweight champion is on the line.

Coach and promoter Paul Barrett said City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane ‘Stone Cold’ Van Styn was due to fight Perth-based Scott ‘Grievous Bodily Harm’ Grieves in Geraldton in April at the Sheds n Homes Fists of Fury III – King of the Cage event.

“Shane is straight into it (training) for his super heavyweight title fight,” Barrett said.

“He (Grieves) and his coach have requested the fight, and it’s locked in.”

Barrett said the Geraldton heavyweight belt would go on the line at the event, which will feature Geraldton’s first cage fights.

A retirement of Van Styn’s opponent in his first fight meant Van Styn held the title of interim champion, he said.

Van Styn lost to Kalgoorlie-based Tomoana ‘Wrecker’ Wijohn by decision at Fists of Fury II in 2021.

He has had three opponents withdraw or fail to be sanctioned, and two bouts cancelled.

He was due to fight local rugby union figure Feao ‘Eric’ Ofa, but Ofa could not go ahead with the bout due to medical advice.

He was then scheduled to fight former Australian champion Troy ‘Death Row’ Humberstone but the match could not be sanctioned because of Humberstone’s superior record.

A proposed fight against Grieves in Northam in 2021 did not go ahead after the event was cancelled.

Van Styn was then set to fight Wijohn again in Kalgoorlie in December, but Wijohn retired with an injury and may not return to boxing.

Barrett said that meant the Geraldton heavyweight title returned to Van Styn on an interim basis as the remaining contender.

“It has been fun training in 40 degrees,” Van Styn joked while hitting a tyre at Barrett’s gym.

Barrett said the discomfort would be good preparation for a return to the ring.

“It’s not my job to make him comfortable, but it’s my job to make him ready,” he said.

Fists of Fury III will feature Geraldton’s first cage fights.

Fists of Fury II, in April 2021, featured the town’s first mixed martial arts matches along with Muay Thai and boxing.

Grieves fought local boxer AJ ‘Tombstone’ McGill at the same event. The result went to McGill via disqualification.

Proceeds from Fists of Fury III will go to disability organisation Access to Leisure and Sport. Tickets are on sale and more information is available on Geraldton Boxing Centre’s social media, or ring Paul Barrett on 0447-979-046.