GARTH WOOD controversially floored Anthony Mundine in the fifth round of their fight at Acer Arena last night to score one of the biggest upsets in Australian boxing history.

It had been an ugly fight, dominated by complaints from Mundine about Wood's wrestling tactics and blows to the back of the head, but when the three-time world champion fell to the canvas 58 seconds into the fifth round there was stunned silence among the big crowd. It appeared that a blow to the back of the head sent Mundine to the canvas.

A jubilant Wood, who earned the right to fight Mundine by winning The Contender reality television boxing show, jumped around the ring in joy and later paid tribute to ''The Man''.

''If it wasn't for him, I never would have got the knock on the door, I never would have got the chance,'' Wood said. ''I am the best kept secret but you're all aware of it now. It was hard to get hold of Anthony - he was aware of my talent. When I saw the chance for the left hook, I landed it.''

Mundine admitted he was not sure how the loss - only his second defeat by knockout in 44 fights - would affect his future plans.