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Joe Cordina stored his IBF title tonight in Monte Carlo, however he needed to battle like hell to do it towards a relentless challenger in Edward Vazquez. Cordina (17-0, 9 KO) was a heavy betting favourite, however needed to sweat out a really shut end result and one draw card on his method to victory in a unbelievable, back-and-forth motion battle.
This wasn’t an off night time for Cordina, who regarded dialed in from the opening bell and gained his share of the rounds extra clearly. However Vazquez (15-2, 3 KO) has a historical past of grinding out rounds and claiming tight selections, and it regarded like he would possibly simply do it once more on this one. Vazquez was within the ring to win, constantly working Cordina into the ropes, peppering him with punches from all angles, and discovering good success with a counter proper hand over the guard.
Vazquez had a really actual case for the upset, utilizing aggression and a sensible guard that protected him from the worst of Cordina’s energy to earn a 114-114 draw from one official choose and Dangerous Left Hook’s unofficial reside rating. However, the opposite two judges noticed it 116-112 for Cordina, incomes him a majority choice victory.
It was a superb battle that the playing neighborhood didn’t anticipate, however that delivered pleasure and drama in spades anyway. Issues took an disagreeable flip after the choice was introduced, as Vazquez felt onerous accomplished for the second time on a Matchroom present, having misplaced a really debatable choice to Ray Ford a yr and a half in the past. Each fighters took swipes at one another’s expertise, and famous diplomat Eddie Hearn ultimately addressed the microphone and stated that he felt 116-112 was too large, however nonetheless felt his man Cordina deserved the victory.
It’s a gutting end result after a superb efficiency by Vazquez, who proved he belongs at this degree in brave trend. Dialogue of a potential rematch was conspicuously absent, as speak of Cordina’s future was centered as an alternative on potential unification as an alternative.
Adrian Curiel TKO-2 Sivenathi Nontshinga
Adrian Curiel landed a life-changing punch, blindsiding Sivenathi Nontshinga early within the 2nd spherical to attain an enormous upset victory and declare the IBF 108 pound title. Curiel (24-4-1, 5 KO) was aggressive from the beginning, however Nontshinga (12-1, 9 KO) regarded sensible on the transfer, countering nicely and touchdown the larger punches when he planted and threw within the 1st.
However, within the 2nd, Curiel unloaded a monster overhand proper that despatched Nontshinga toppling onto the underside rope. Referee Sparkle Lee didn’t just like the look of Nontshinga, who landed with the again of his neck bouncing off the ring rope, and waved issues off and not using a full rely.
It’s a stunning end result each methods. Curiel scored simply his fifth knockout in 29 skilled fights, an enormous upset in essentially the most sudden trend. Nontshinga, who fought and gained an absolute battle over Hector Flores in September 2022, was destroyed by a punch he didn’t see coming to lose for the primary time as an expert. Massive upset, huge drama, and positively price 4 minutes of your time to rewatch in the event you missed it reside.
Souleymane Cissokho UD-12 Isaias Lucero
Souleymane Cissokho notched one other victory, however not one that may reply any of the questions and doubts surrounding his skilled ceiling. Cissokho (17-0, 9 KO) was the larger, sooner, stronger man, landed the heaviest punches and did essentially the most bodily harm, however fought in a restricted, again foot model that stored him from actually separating himself from Isaias Lucero in a major approach.
A left hook from Lucero (16-2, 10 KO) rattled Cissokho within the first minute of the battle, however Lucero couldn’t capitalize. Cissokho turned the momentum round rapidly, touchdown a giant counter proper hand that floored Lucero halfway by means of the 2nd.
Cissokho opened cuts round each of Lucero’s eyes, and bloodied his nostril, too. The left eye minimize acquired unhealthy sufficient to immediate a health care provider analysis within the ninth. However, the physician elected to not cease the battle, and Cissokho likewise selected to not finish issues himself. He was content material to just do barely greater than a seemingly overmatched foe, finally claiming a unanimous win on 118-109, 118-109, 117-110 scorecards that look way more spectacular than the battle itself did.
Ramla Ali UD-10 Julissa Guzman
Ramla Ali avenged her knockout defeat to Julissa Guzman with a unanimous choice within the opener. The jab and proper hand counter labored nicely for Ali (9-1, 2 KO) when she may use them. However, she struggled with strain from the hard-hitting Guzman (13-3-2, 7 KO) within the first half of the battle.
Brisker legs late made the distinction for Ali, permitting her to double up the jab and keep away from return hearth from a fatigued Guzman. Dangerous Left Hook’s unofficial scorecard had it 96-94 for Guzman based mostly on her early success, however all three official judges had it 96-94 for Ali.
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