On December 12, 1993 Sutherland defeated Ricky Raynor by technical knockout to win the vacant junior-lightweight title. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the belt Sutherland was awarded on the night was incorrectly marked.

Sutherland had originally been scheduled to fight Jamie Nicholson, who pulled out of the fight at the 11th hour after seeing the fight doctor.

As a result Raynor, Sutherland’s training partner at the time, was given the chance to fight. The fight was stopped in the fourth round after Sutherland cut Raynor above the eye.

The belt Sutherland was awarded remained inscribed with Nicholson’s name, instead of Raynor’s.

Sutherland attempted to have the plaque removed, and replaced with a correct one, only to be stalled.

“I brought the belt back home [to Orange], and sort of left it,” he said.

“But eventually I thought I should get it done properly, but the sanctioning body had changed and they couldn’t change it. I tried getting it done myself but I couldn’t find anyone who would, or could change the plaque. I got in contact with Charlie Lucas eventually, and he said if I covered the costs it would be possible.

“I was fine with that, but then Matt Rose suggested I get it done as part of his fight promotion for Sam’s [Ah-See] fight last Friday night. I only wanted it to be a small thing, but it turned out to be a big presentation.”

Sutherland was awarded the belt on Friday night in front of a jam-packed Orange crowd at the Orange Function Centre in between the main undercard bout and the main event.

“It was incredible to accept it front of a home crowd,” Sutherland said.

“It was a great way to thank everyone who had been a part of my title win I guess. I only wish I had done it a bit sooner so my trainer could have seen it before he died.”