Sunday 30 April 2017

Joshua climbs off floor to unify, stopping Klitschko in 11.


In one of the biggest heavyweight title fights in recent history, undefeated IBF champion Anthony Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) climbed off the floor, to scored a dramatic eleventh round TKO over former two time unified champion Wladimir Klitschko (64-5, 54 KOs) to retain his IBF title and grab the vacant WBA and IBO straps in a record 90,000 packed Wembley Stadium.
Both fighters played it cautious in the early rounds, Wlad connected most notably with a right hand in the second while Joshua returned fire in the third, both fighters began to roll the dice a little in the fourth, the first glimpse of risk taking by either man.. Joshua took the bull by the horns in the fifth, changing the whole tempo, rocking Klitschko badly dropping and cutting him in what was the first real breakthrough, Wladimir however managed to maintain his composure enough to hurt Joshua later in the session. The sixth saw the biggest twist, Klitschko turned the tides and dropped the IBF champion with a tremendous right hand with much of the round remaining.. Joshua appeared distressed, open mouthed and heavy legged, unable to defend himself correctly as Klitschko cautiously moved in for the finish, miraculously surviving the round.. Joshua still looked gassed into the seventh, allowing Klitschko to take take control for the first time in the bout. Klitschko continued to frustrate Joshua with his jab through round eight, but couldn't maintain it, allowing Anthony to find his second wind.. A huge right hand at the conclusion of the tenth seemed to wake Joshua back into the fight, the Londoner emerged into the eleventh revitalised, looking to pressure the older man, obeying instructions from the corner to regain control.. within a minute and a half he'd found his measure, dropping Klitschko badly twice, before closing the show, pinning Wladimir in the corner with :35 seconds left in the round.. Referee David Fields stepping in to call a halt with Klitschko unable to fend off the young champion..

It was a terrific fight and a wonderful bit of heroics from Joshua to emerge victorious after overcoming such a dramatic crisis..

Saturday 29 April 2017

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko weigh in.


IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua weighed in at 250.1 lbs at today's weigh in for his unification bout with former unified champion Wladimir Klitschko, who came in around 9 pounds lighter at 240.4 lbs..

The IBF, WBA Super and IBO belts are all up for grabs at Londons Wembley stadium on Saturday..

The show is promoted by both Matchroom Boxing and Klitschko's K2 promotions..
The bout will be shown on Sky Box Office in the UK, Showtime (live) and HBO (delayed)

Friday 28 April 2017

Pulev outworks Johnson in Sofia.


In a battle of former world heavyweight title challengers, IBF number 1 contender Kubrat Pulev (23-1, 13 KOs) scored a one-sided unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson (30-8-1, 14 KOs) over 12 tonight at the Armeec Arena in Sofia, Bulgaria. Johnson managed to frustrate Pulev with the jab for the first half of the bout, but as soon as Pulev found range, Johnson appeared to lose his way, sitting on the ropes , allowing the Bulgarian to tee off at will.. By round 10 Kevin looked completely exhausted, allowing Kubrat to take full advantage, closing the remainder of the fight impressively.. Scores were 120-108, 120-108, 119-109.
This makes it Pulev's fifth straight victory, while the previously retired Johnson has now lost seven of his last nine. The WBA inter-continental heavyweight championship was on the line and a possible shot at Saturdays winner in a London.

Thursday 27 April 2017

Layla McCarter out to shine as a Mayweather fighter this weekend.


On Saturday night at Sams town in Las Vegas, a relatively familiar array of names make respective appearances under the Mayweather boxing umbrella, Ronald Gavril, Lanell Bellows, Ladarius Miller and Kevin Newman, while a newer addition to the fold aims to make a statement of her own regardless of the fact that she's already accomplished far more than many of her male counterparts could ever dream of.. Layla McCarter debuts as only the second female fighter to feature as part of Mayweathers boxing family, in a TV bout against a 16-9 Szilvia Szabados, over 10 Twos at welterweight..
Layla 38-13-5 (9 Ko's) has patiently awaited the big money bouts, often appearing too good for her own good.. In truth McCarter has a really bad habit, she wins, often and consistently, in fact for the last ten years Layla has remained 'a winner.' Last losing almost ten years ago to the day to Mellissa Hernandez in a close points affair in Las Vegas.. In 2012 Layla even travelled to Cape Town, and boxed close to 150lbs, knocking out previously unbeaten Noni Tenge in front of her own people to claim the WBA Super welterweight title, even though she had boxed primarily down at lightweight.. Her 2007 bout with Donna Biggers was the first ever scheduled 12 round female world championship bout, regardless of the fact that it only went 2.. McCarter is a trailblazer, a pioneer, with the rare distinction of being a 6 time world champion..
Although having only been boxing for 3 years, Szabados, her opponent on this occasion has herself fought for a championship before, losing each time... to Noni Tenge (their only common opponent) in 2016, to the unbeaten Nikki Adler for the WBC SuperMiddleweight title in 2015 and to Zita Zatyko in a bid for a WBF SuperMiddleweight title in only her 6th outing.. The Hungarian is game, but unfortunately a level beneath McCarter who will be looking to copy Claressa Sheilds benchmark, having stopped Szabados in 4, only 6 weeks ago..
Layla last boxed in July, handing Melissa Hernandez a third sound beating out of four on the Wilder v Arreola show in Alabama, while Szabados managed a token victory 14 days ago, beating 4 fight novice katalin Menes in 3 rounds in Hungary.. Its a great opportunity for adopted Las Vegan, McCarter to show that she is still, at the very deceiving age of 38, the biggest threat in women's boxing..

Wednesday 26 April 2017

Pulev risks IBF mandatory status against Johnson on Friday.


Popular Bulgarian heavyweight Kubrat Pulev (24-1, 13 KOs) and Kevin Johnson (30-7-1, 14 KOs) came face-to-face at a press conference yesterday at the Hotel Marinela in Sofia, ahead of their WBA Intercontinental title bout on Friday 27th at the Arena Armeec.

Pulev will be making the first defense of the belt he grabbed with a 3 round stoppage of former World Champion Sam Peter last December, and in doing so risks his mandatory IBF mandatory standing, a position that could see him a prime candidate to face the victor of Saturday’s World title showdown in London.

New Jersey native Johnson, himself a former World title challenger, is eager to prove that he is not just in Bulgaria for a vacation, is nurturing ambitions of his own second shot at a Championship, viewing the upset over Pulev as a springboard, back to the bigtime.

Having taken in the atmosphere of Sofia, Johnson also revealed his plans to leave Bulgaria with two souvenirs. ‘’The women here are very beautiful,’’ he said. ‘’And I’m looking to get married. On Saturday, I’m going to be leaving with a new belt and a new wife!’’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland echoed both fighters sentiments, "It’s a great weekend for heavyweight boxing. Kubrat is mandatory challenger to face the winner of Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF World title. Either they fight him or they vacate the belt. He’s fought hard to get back into this position, and he’s risking it all in this fight against a rejuvenated Kevin Johnson. Kevin also knows what’s at stake and what a win would mean for his career. Both men have been training hard, and are ready to give it their all in the ring on Friday night.’’

Pulev isn't looking past Johnson, but insists that he will not be denied on Friday, offering Johnsons chances as slim to zero..



Pulev came through a tough bout last May, prior to the Peter fight, scoring a points victory by the slimmest of margins over former WBC title challenger Derrick Chisora, while Kevin's last appearance was a stoppage loss at the hands of future IBF champion Anthony Joshua..

Former IBF champ, Martin returns with a win.


Former IBF heavyweight champion Prince Charles Martin (24-1-1, 22 KOs) made a low key return to the ring on Tuesday night with a second round TKO over journeyman Byron Polley (30-21-1, 13 KOs) at the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi. It was Martin’s first appearance since losing his IBF title to Anthony Joshua 12 months ago. Martin who has had tumultuous year since the Joshua fight, the St Louis native was shot in the body and forearm in an almost deadly incident with two unknown assailants at 5am last august in downtown La.. The return to action is a good sign, the colourful fighter has a wild child reputation and it looked momentarily like his street past was luring him back..

Tuesday 25 April 2017

Parker looks set to face replacement Conjanu.


California based WBO #14 ranked heavyweight Razvan Conjanu (16-2, 9 KOs) is likely to be announced today as the replacement for WBO #1 challenger Hughie Fury to challenge newly crowned WBO champion Joseph Parker at the Sparks Arena in Auckland, New Zealand on May 6. “We are excited, we think we have got someone that is at least as good as Hughie Fury and certainly has more power than Hughie Fury,” Duco Entertainments CEO David Higgins said. “He’s a very tough contender, so it’s a proper challenge. It’s looking promising … tomorrow we are planning a big announcement.”
It's rather disappointing news, considering that several better qualified opponents were readily available, including Amir Mansour and Dominick Breazeale. Conjanu is a virtual unknown quantity and has never faced a ranked opponent throughout his whole 18 fight career.. Fury withdrew on Sunday after suffering a lower back injury that requires at least a months rest..

Eugene Honeybear Bryant passes in Las Vegas aged 75.

Really sad to hear of the passing of a lovely man who was a great friend and a mind of priceless knowledge as a former fighter and trainer.. Eugene Honeybear Bryant boxed at middleweight and light heavyweight in the 60s and 70s out of Phoenix Arizona, with a record of 40 Wins 29 losses and 6 draws.. 
Eugene boxed Don Fulmer, brother of Gene twice, beat fellow trainer Thell Torrence twice, drew with former light heavyweight world title challenger Andy Kendall, boxed Bad Bennie Brisco and fought Denny Moyer 6 times.. Honeybear trained a string of young fighters during the 1990s and early 2000s out of Johnny Toccos Gym in Las Vegas.. Rest in peace Gene.. you'll be missed

PBC adds McCarter v Szabados to FS2 show from Samstown.

This coming Saturday, April 29th sees the Mayweather promotions debut of former 6 time world champion Layla McCarter (38-13-5, 9 KOs) as she meets former title challenger Szilvia Szabados (15-9, 6 KOs) in a women’s welterweight attraction, McCarter has remained unbeaten in her last 15 bouts including a BKB appearance, last tasting a loss ten years ago in a rematch with Mellissa Hernandez, whom she's since twice avenged..  The card also features super lightweight prospect Ladarius Memphis Miller (12-1, 3 KOs) as he takes on tough Jesus Gutierrez (14-1-1, 4 KOs) in a special edition of PBC prelimson on FS2 and FOX Deportes, Live from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage begins on FS2 and FOX Deportes at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT before switching over to FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT for the Featured event, where WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Carlos Zambrano (26-0, KOs) defending his title against once-beaten contender Claudio Marrero (21-1, 15 KOs).
The evenings schedule also features a Middleweight bout between Nathaniel Gallimore and unbeaten Jeison Rosario while another undefeated youngster in Juan Heraldez takes on Alfonso Olvera at welterweight..
Also making appearances are Mayweather promoted SuperMiddleweights, Ron Gavril, Lanell Bellows and Kevin Newman II along with unbeaten female super welterweight Latondria Jones and Featherweight Daniel Gonzalez..

Sunday 23 April 2017

Parker v Fury postponement statement.


Team Fury/Hennessey Sports Statement:
 It is with our deepest regret that we have to announce that the WBO World Heavyweight Championship between the Champion, Joseph Parker, and mandatory challenger, Hughie Fury, scheduled for Saturday 6th May 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand, has been postponed.

The reasons given for the postponement were down to a recurring lower back injury that Hughie Fury has been suffering, preventing him from maintaining a serious training camp for such an important fight..  Fury has been treated with intense physiotherapy but has been advised to take 4 weeks off, to assure fast recovery..  Duco entertainments who were promoting the event released a rather unprofessional statement yesterday accusing the Furys of feigning injury to avoid fighting in New Zealand..

As of now, no news has been provided regarding whether Parker will still be going ahead with a defence on May 6th against an alternative opponent..  It's just a disappointing situation all round..

Charlo knocks out Hatley, defends WBC title in Brooklyn.

Also on the Barclays Centre card in Brooklyn, Jermell Charlo defended his WBC Junior Welterweight title against Charles Hatley with a dramatic 6th round stoppage victory last night. Jermell dictated the action throughout the bout, hardly allowing the usually capable Hatley to get a foothold, dominating the action throughout..
Charlo stunned Hatley in round 3 with a vicious 1-2 that dropped the Texan, leaving the challenger cautious, wary of Charlos power for most of the bout.  The champion never allowed Hatley to maintain any rhythm, keeping him continually guessing while dominating with the jab..   The end presented itself in the 6th round as Charlo stepped up the tempo..  Jermell opened up with a combination, the volume of punches disorientating Hatley, who walked onto a wicked right hand that knocked him out.. Hatley lay motionless for a few moments, but soon resumed consciousness and was able to walk out of the ring unaided..    The official time of the stoppage was 0:32 in round 6.
Charlo retains his WBC Junior Welterweight title and moves to 29-0, 14 KOs, while Hatley suffers his second professional defeat and goes to 26-2-1, 18 KOs.

Blood and guts in Brooklyn.. Porter stops Berto in 9.

Last night at the Barclays centre in Brooklyn, former world champions Shawn Porter and Andre Berto fought for the right to become Keith Thurmans, WBC mandatory challenger. In a dogged rough bout, Porter came out on top, stopping Berto half way through the 9th of a scheduled 12..  Both fighters appeared in tremendous condition and started fast, with Porter dictating that the fight be fought at close quarters..  The first breakthrough came for Porter when a short right hand dropped Berto in round 2, Berto struggling with the swarming style continued to allow Shawn the luxury of a telephone booth affair..  An accidental head clash initially opened a cut over Porters left eye, soon followed by a similar incident opening Berto's eyelid..  As the rounds drew more torrid and gruelling, further head clashes interrupted the action, showing noted affects on Berto who began to look despondent going into the 6th..  Porter looking noticeably sharper turned on the pressure in the 9th, leaving Berto literally unable to counter the volume of accurate punches, driving the Haitian native into the ropes, forcing a count for a second time, Porter then closing the show, a series of unanswered shots forcing the stoppage..   Berto 31-5 (24 Ko's) appearing more demoralised than hurt at the close..  Porter 27-2-1 (17 Ko's) looked far superior tonight employing a perfect strategy to out-hustle the generally more technically capable Berto with volume and pressure..  Both fighters were extremely courteous at the conclusion, Berto a little disappointed with the referees failure to prevent continual head-clashes, which obviously affected his rhythm. Porter actually taking the time to apologise to Andre for his part in the head butting, assuring him that it was not his intention, admitting that in this kind of a fight it's something he was self conscious of..   Porter and Thurman exchanged compliments following the interviews and look almost certain for a rematch of last years thriller that saw Keith the points victor in a fight of the year candidate.

Friday 21 April 2017

Allen v Thomas added to Brook v Spence, Sheffield card.


On the 27th of May on the Brook v Spence card at Bramall Lane Sheffield, aspiring heavyweight contenders David Allen and Lenroy Thomas meet for the vacant Commonwealth title..   Both fighters have had ups and downs but neither could be described as anyone's pushover ..

25 year old David Allen is a heavyweight with ambition, 4 and a half years a pro and only 14 bouts he's eager to impress and fearless..   Up until 2016 Allen was 10 fights unbeaten, only a draw to Plamen Nikolov in 2014 blemishing his record, when he found himself in a huge domestic grudge match with Dillian Whyte by way of social media. Allen lost a unanimous decision but covered himself in glory with his durability and bravery against the more experienced Whyte..  5 months later Whyte again showed his character by stepping in to face unbeaten 26-0  Cuban Luis Ortiz in Manchester, lasting 7 rounds before being saved from himself by referee Darren Sarginson..  8 weeks later, in February of this year David returned to action, supercharged on making a statement, scoring a one round Ko over Lukasz Rusiewicz in Hull, then 7 days later demolishing 12-4 David Howe in 2 at the O2..   David is currently 11-2-1 (8 Ko's)

32 year old Lenroy Thomas turned pro 11 years ago, losing his debut to an obscure character named Ruben Rivera, before going on a sensational 16 fight winning streak..  Thomas faced defeat for a second time in 2010, this time being stopped in 4 by Aaron Lyons, a damaging loss that was followed by a 3 year ring absence..  In 2013  the Caribbean native was handed the opportunity to face the unbeaten Dominick Breazeale on the Abner Mares v Jhonny Gonzales card in California, the step up following the inactivity saw Thomas knocked out once again in 4, by his most noted opponent to date..
The return in 2014 saw Thomas score 2 straight wins, over Travis Fulton and Jason Pauley, followed by a bizarre 7 round split verdict over Jason Estrada, in a bout where both fighters were forced to box a 7th tie-breaking round at the conclusion of a 6 round draw, as part of an ESPN tourney.. 2015 would see Thomas lose once more, this time to tough Andrey Fedosov in 3.. Lenroy's most recent outing was a 4th round knockout over Grover Young 10 months ago..
Lenroy is 20-4 (10 Ko's)

Despite his 7 years more experience, Thomas and Allen aren't that far removed from each other, both guys falling short on their two biggest opportunities yet both guys eager to impress regardless of shortfalls..  Thomas, based in Florida spends time sparring in good company with Luis Ortiz, while Allen has been cutting his teeth sparring guys like Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua..  Both guys have had a taste of the big stage and understand what it requires to take that next step..  This fight provides that platform for both..  Its a very intriguing fight.

Wednesday 19 April 2017

Dillian Whyte faces Mariusz Wach at the O2, June 3rd.


June 3rd at the O2, Dillian Whyte finally gets the chance to shine in his own right as he headlines for the first time, taking a calculated risk against the tough Pole, Mariusz Wach...  Wach took Wladimir Klitschko the distance for four World titles in 2012 and is ranked 7th in the WBC and 14th in the IBF..  The 29 year old Whyte is returning from his epic battle with Derrick Chisora last December where he won a split decision and is planning on making a huge statement on June 3rd, with the intention of making the respective champions take note..
“I’m super excited to be headlining at The O2,” said Whyte. “I’ve being working hard to be a standalone headline fighter and to headline against someone of the stature of Mariusz Wach is great."
Wach 33-2 (17 Ko's) who's only other defeat came at the hands of former WBA champion Alex Povetkin, recently beat tough Erkan Teper, and could pose a real threat to Whyte 20-1 (15 Ko's)  who's own sole loss came in his highest profile outing to date against current IBF Champion Anthony Joshua in 2015.  Whyte has consciously selected Wach for the occasion knowing full well, a world title match would most probably thrust him in against a taller rangy opponent , Wach at 6 foot 8 inches passed the audition, but also has the potential to pose a stern test..

The support card underneath Whyte v Wach, is led by British light-heavyweight champion Frank Buglioni defending his title for the first time against Ricky Summers. Buglioni was set to defend his belt against the unbeaten Tipton man in Greenwich in March on the undercard of Tony Bellew’s epic win over David Haye, but injury forced him to postpone. Buglioni puts the belt on the line for the first time since taking it from Hosea Burton via a memorable 12th round stoppage last December.

Also featuring will be exciting cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain and Unbeaten 2016 Olympian, Lawrence Okolie..

Sunday 16 April 2017

Indongo dethrones Burns in Glasgow to unify WBA/IBF

In an important super lightweight unification bout, unbeaten IBF champion Julius Indongo (22-0, 11 KOs) snatched the WBA title from champion Ricky Burns (41-6-1, 14 KOs) with a dominant twelve round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. After a tentative start, the little known Namibian found his rythym, outworking Burns throughout most of the fight..  Despite the fast pace Indongo continued to meticulously break Burns down into the late rounds..   The WBA champ tried a last ditch rally but it was a task too great as the physically imposing Indongo was too strong to subdue..  Burns was on the canvas in the final round, more from exhaustion and desperation as it was ruled a slip..  Indongo swept the board with Scores of 120-108, 118-110, 116-112.
Little known Namibian Indongo was overlooked going into this fight in what many press members scripted as shades of Breidis Prescott's..

Other Results:

Charlie Edwards  UD12  Iain Butcher (super flyweight)
Vacant British title.
Scores: 120-108, 120-109, 120-108

Robbie Barrett   MD12   Scotty Cardle (lightweight)
British lightweight title..
Score: 115-113, 114-112, 114-114

Okolie moves to 2-0 in Glasgow.

24 year old 2016 Olympian, cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie made it win number 2 last night in his second pro appearance on the SSE Hydro card in Glasgow..  Okolie stopped tough Lukasz Rusiewicz inside a round after twice previously dropping the pole with body shots..  Okolie however got a rude awakening a split second before stopping Rusiewicz, he got caught with a solid right hand that bloodied the Londoners nose..  Okolie showed real grit in responding to the shot by setting up the his own right hand to force the stoppage..  Okolie boxed his debut only 2 weeks ago, beating inept Geoff Cave in a round on the Crolla v Linares card..  Okolie was very critical of his performance yet knows he's a relative novice in the sport..  Lawrence is pencilled in to appear on the Wembley show on the 29th of April, supporting fellow Olympian Anthony Joshua..   Okolie moves to 2-0 (2 Ko's) while Rusiewicz drops to 22-30 (13 Ko's)

Bivol and Rahman jr, victorious in Maryland.

Undefeated WBA Interim Light Heavyweight champion Dmitroy Bivol scored a sensational 4 round stoppage over an overwhelmed Samuel Clarkson to retain his belt in Fridays main event at the MGM National Harbor Casino in Oxon Hill, MD.
Bivol pressed the action from the off, dropping Clarkson twice with right hands early..  Clarkson gallantly battled his way into the bout but was completely outgunned as Bivol meticulously worked Clarkson over. Bivol would land a terrific two piece combination that would send Clarkson down to the canvas for the third and final time. Referee Harvey Dock stopping the action at 1:40 of the fourth round.
Bivol is now 10-0, 8 KO’s. Clarkson 21-4, 12 KO’s.

In his pro debut, son of former world heavyweight champion namesake, Hasim Rahman Jr. of Baltimore, MD needed just 40 seconds to stop fellow debutant heavyweight Ralph Alexander of Lanham, MD. Under his fathers watchful eye, Hasim looked composed, enjoying the occasion, controlling the bout behind a high guard, until deciding to end proceedings in Alexander’s corner with a volley of accurate shots, forcing referee Bill Clancy to stop the bout.

Friday 14 April 2017

Hasim Rahman jr makes debut at heavyweight, tonight in Maryland.


This Friday at the MGM National Harbour, Oxon Hill in Maryland, a famous name continues a local legacy as Hasim Rahman Jr, son of Baltimores former world heavyweight champion of the same name makes his professional debut, as a heavyweight.. Hasim, better known as Gold Blooded, had an outstanding career as a 201 pound amateur, with over a 100 fights, but it looked almost certain in time, that he would attempt to step into his fathers footsteps as a paid fighter..  I remember Hasim jr from 2011, sparring with then established heavyweight contender Friday Ahunanya, for the Nigerians scheduled bout with Tony Thompson in Las Vegas ..  Rahman showed up at the Hit Factory gym with his mother, got warmed up and proceeded to exchange leather with the experienced Ahunanya regardless of being outweighed by nearly 50 pounds..  Rahman acquitted himself well and came across as lovely kid, leaving a lasting impression..  unfortunately, in 2012, Hasim was involved in a horrific automobile accident, where a delivery driver was tragically killed. Rahman was the driver and has since served time, but upon release appears a more driven and determined fighter..  The 25 year old Hasim has added muscle to his once skinny 6 ft 3 frame and will enter the ring close to 240 on fight night, where he faces another debutant in Ralph Alexander also a local Maryland fighter..  Hasim got exposure on the famed HBO 24/7 series, when he battled with Donovan Cameron in a Mayweather gym doghouse rules bout, for honour over Camerons previous defeat of his younger brother Sharif..  Hasim has a vast experience having sparred with numerous top class heavyweights and cruiserweights since taking the sport seriously in his teens..  He is indeed one to watch. The Banner Promotions show, alongside Greg Cohen promotions features Dmitry Bivol v Samuel Clarkson for the WBA interim light heavyweight title..

Sunday 9 April 2017

Usyk defeats Hunter in exciting fight to defend WBO cruiser title.

WBO cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, 12-0, 10 KOs, retained his belt with an highly entertaining 12-round unanimous points win over unbeaten Mike Hunter of Las Vegas, 12-1, 8 KOs, on the HBO show at the MGM National harbour in Maryland last night..  The fight was a close affair over the first six rounds, before the Ukrainian stepped up the pace to pull away winning the majority of the last 6. Hunter boxed exceptionally but Usyk eventually found a way to figure him out, landing the harder shots with terrific accuracy as the fight wore on..  In the final round, Usyk decided to put his foot on the gas, opening up on the fading challenger, Hunter did amazingly well to survive the onslaught, only being forced to take a count when a series of shots hurled him into the ropes with only moments remaining..  Bill Clancy could easily have jumped in and saved Hunter with seconds remaining, but the tough Las vegan had proven his grit enough to complete the course..
All three scores were the same, 117-110, in favor of Usyk.