Liam Wilson produced a ruthless reminder of his finishing instincts as he stopped Rodex Piala with a savage body shot in the fourth round at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on January 16, 2026. The WBO International super featherweight titleholder survived a demanding early examination before closing the show in emphatic fashion, sending the Queensland crowd into raptures.

This was no routine defence on paper. Piala arrived from the Philippines with a reputation for durability and craft, having lost only once in his professional career and never previously halted. From the opening bell it was clear he had come to compete rather than simply survive, using movement, timing and body work to test Wilson’s patience and composure.

The opening three rounds were fought at a fierce pace. Wilson, taller and longer, pressed forward behind a measured jab, while Piala responded with sharp counters and sustained attacks downstairs. The challenger enjoyed moments of success, particularly when he was able to slip inside and work to the ribs, forcing Wilson to absorb punishment and reset his approach. Ringside, the contest felt far more competitive than many had predicted, with the visitor refusing to be intimidated on hostile territory.

Wilson’s experience at the top end of the division, however, began to tell. Rather than chasing a reckless finish, he gradually increased the pressure, cutting the ring more effectively and forcing Piala to exchange at closer quarters. The defending champion’s body work started to mirror his opponent’s earlier success, and subtle shifts in momentum became apparent as the fourth round unfolded.

The end came suddenly and decisively. Midway through the round, Wilson found space for a perfectly placed left to the body, threading the shot under Piala’s guard. The impact was immediate. Piala collapsed to the canvas in visible distress, unable to beat the count despite the referee’s careful assessment. The official time of the stoppage was 2:56 of round four, sealing a knockout victory that will be replayed for years.

It was a finish that underlined Wilson’s efficiency when the opening presents itself. While the contest demanded resilience and discipline early on, the conclusion was clinical, a reminder that one clean punch can instantly change the narrative of a fight. Judges’ scorecards had reflected a close battle prior to the stoppage, making the decisive nature of the ending even more striking.

The win followed Wilson’s previous outing in September 2025, when he halted Jorge Santana in the fourth round at the Pat Rafter Arena. That performance showcased his ability to control a fight before forcing a stoppage, and the Piala bout added another layer by demonstrating his willingness to endure adversity before delivering a definitive conclusion.

For the home fans, it was a thrilling chapter in an already compelling career. Liam Wilson once again showed why he remains one of Australia’s most watchable fighters, while Rodex Piala earned respect for his bravery and competitiveness in defeat.

The post Liam Wilson vs Rodex Piala 16.01.2026 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

Reito Tsutsumi closed out his first year in the paid ranks with a statement performance, stopping Mexico’s Leobardo Quintana Sanchez in the fourth round at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh on 27 December 2025. Fighting in the super featherweight division over a scheduled eight rounds, the unbeaten Japanese talent showed composure, resilience and cutting accuracy to secure a technical knockout that underlined his rapid rise.

The bout opened with Quintana Sanchez determined to test the favourite. The Mexican, who arrived with a reputation built on perseverance and hard rounds, pressed forward early and worked confidently at mid-range. Tsutsumi, however, remained calm under pressure. Rather than being drawn into reckless exchanges, he relied on sharp foot placement and precise punches, gradually imposing his rhythm as the contest settled.

By the second round, Tsutsumi’s body work began to tell. His ability to change levels disrupted Quintana Sanchez’s guard, slowing the challenger’s forward momentum. The Japanese boxer’s amateur pedigree was evident in his timing and balance, allowing him to score cleanly while limiting return fire. Although Quintana Sanchez continued to compete bravely and landed telling shots of his own, Tsutsumi’s control of distance became increasingly clear.

The third round developed into a gruelling test of durability. Both fighters stood their ground in close quarters, trading hooks and uppercuts. Tsutsumi absorbed pressure well, even as blood marked his face, and responded with measured counters that steadily eroded Quintana Sanchez’s resistance. The pace was intense, but Tsutsumi’s efficiency began to separate him from his opponent.

The decisive moment arrived in the fourth. Tsutsumi increased the tempo, stepping in behind crisp punches before unleashing a powerful combination that sent Quintana Sanchez to the canvas. The referee moved swiftly to halt proceedings, recognising that the Mexican could not safely continue. The stoppage came at 1 minute 14 seconds of the round, sealing Tsutsumi’s fourth professional victory and third inside-the-distance success.

This result builds on Tsutsumi’s steady progression since turning professional. In his debut, he was taken the distance over six rounds, earning a clear decision win against the experienced Laval Whittington. That outing provided valuable rounds and a foundation that has since been strengthened by successive knockouts, culminating in this Riyadh triumph.

For Quintana Sanchez, defeat came against an opponent operating at a higher level, yet his willingness to engage and compete throughout the fight earned respect. He showed durability and ambition, but ultimately could not match the precision and composure of his Japanese rival.

The bout served as a fitting conclusion to Tsutsumi’s opening year as a professional, highlighting his adaptability and poise on a major international stage. In Riyadh, Reito Tsutsumi demonstrated why he is considered one of Japan’s brightest prospects, while Leobardo Quintana once again proved his toughness and resolve in the face of elite opposition.

The post Reito Tsutsumi vs Leobardo Quintana Sanchez 27.12.2025 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham played host to a significant night for one of the city’s rising talents on Saturday 29 November 2025, as Ibraheem Sulaimaan captured his first professional title with a sixth-round stoppage victory over Nico Ogbeide. Competing for the vacant Midlands Area super featherweight belt, Sulaimaan delivered a composed and increasingly dominant performance before referee Chris Dean brought the contest to a close.

This ten-round championship bout marked an important step up for the unbeaten Sulaimaan, who entered the ring with momentum behind him. In his previous outing just a month earlier, he had outpointed James Chereji over eight rounds, showing maturity and patience. Against Ogbeide, the challenge was sterner on paper, but Sulaimaan rose to the occasion with authority.

The opening rounds were tactical rather than explosive. Ogbeide, tall and rangy, attempted to establish himself early, but Sulaimaan’s movement and variation quickly disrupted his rhythm. Switching stances with ease, the Birmingham boxer controlled the distance and began to find openings with sharp punches through the middle. Judges Mark Bates, Howard Foster and Mark Lyson all observed a steady accumulation of clean work from the home fighter.

By the third round, Sulaimaan’s confidence was evident. He began to mix attacks to head and body, forcing Ogbeide onto the back foot. The challenger’s output dipped as he struggled to match the speed and timing coming his way. Although Ogbeide showed toughness and durability, he found himself increasingly reactive rather than proactive as the fight wore on.

The fourth and fifth rounds proved decisive in shaping the outcome. Sulaimaan upped the tempo, pressing forward with intent and pinning Ogbeide near the ropes. A series of well-placed body shots took their toll, visibly slowing the resistance of the man opposite him. While there were moments where Sulaimaan was warned about shots straying low, his overall control of the contest remained clear.

Entering the sixth round, the momentum was firmly with Sulaimaan. Ogbeide attempted to rally but was repeatedly beaten to the punch. Sulaimaan’s accuracy and shot selection left little room for escape, and a sustained burst of unanswered punches prompted referee Chris Dean to intervene. The stoppage came at 1 minute 52 seconds of the round, with no protest from Ogbeide, who had simply run out of answers.

The victory moved Sulaimaan to 10-0 as a professional and crowned him Midlands Area super featherweight champion. More importantly, it showcased his ability to manage a longer contest, adapt mid-fight, and finish decisively when the opportunity presented itself. His calm approach under pressure stood out on a big stage in front of a supportive Birmingham crowd.

In the end, it was a night that belonged to Ibraheem Sulaimaan, whose skill and composure proved too much for a brave but outmatched opponent. Nico Ogbeide showed heart throughout, but the relentless precision and control of Sulaimaan ensured the title stayed in Birmingham and marked a milestone moment in his young professional career.

The post Ibraheem Sulaimaan vs Nico Ogbeide 29.11.2025 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

RIYADH – Sultan Almohamed continued his rise in the professional ranks with a commanding victory over Umesh Chavan in a super featherweight contest staged in the Saudi capital on 22 November 2025. The bout, scheduled for four rounds, ended in emphatic fashion when Almohamed forced the referee to halt proceedings just over two minutes into the opening round.

Chavan, hailing from Musa, India, entered the ring with a professional record of three wins, one loss, and one draw. At 129.9 pounds, the 24-year-old had shown promise in previous outings but faced a steep challenge against the youthful Almohamed, who tipped the scales at 129 pounds. At only 17 years old, Almohamed already possessed an aura beyond his years, having made a high-profile professional debut on the undercard of Canelo Álvarez versus Terence Crawford in Las Vegas.

From the outset, Almohamed displayed remarkable composure and technical precision. Rather than relying on sheer volume, he targeted Chavan with calculated power shots, quickly exploiting openings in his opponent’s defence. A decisive body shot left Chavan reeling, forcing him to instinctively turn away and prompting the referee to intervene. It was a demonstration of strategic fighting, highlighting Almohamed’s ability to balance aggression with measured technique—an uncommon trait in a teenager so early in his career.

Almohamed’s corner, led by esteemed trainer Abel Sanchez, clearly played a pivotal role in the young fighter’s development. Known for guiding multiple fighters to world titles, Sanchez has instilled discipline, footwork, and timing in his protégé, all of which were evident in Riyadh. Observers noted how Almohamed maintained his stance, avoiding the common pitfalls seen in many four-round contests, such as overreaching or smothering his own power.

Chavan, for his part, showed resilience despite the swift defeat. He attempted to mount counterattacks and remained composed in the opening exchanges, but Almohamed’s accuracy and well-timed body attack proved decisive. The 2:05 stoppage emphasised the disparity in readiness and experience at this level, yet Chavan left the ring with dignity, a reminder of the competitive spirit that brought him to the international stage.

The event, promoted in partnership with Riot Season, Ring Magazine, Frank Warren for Queensberry, and Matchroom Boxing, showcased Almohamed’s growing popularity. The Riyadh crowd responded enthusiastically, recognising the emergence of a genuine talent in their home country. With Saudi Tourism Authority, STC, and the Saudi National Bank among the commercial backers, the fight underscored the kingdom’s commitment to hosting world-class boxing events.

In conclusion, Sultan Almohamed’s victory over Umesh Chavan was both swift and authoritative, further cementing the young Saudi fighter’s reputation as a rising star in the super featherweight division. Sultan Almohamed combined power, precision, and poise beyond his years, while Umesh Chavan provided a credible challenge and valuable experience at the professional level. With this win, both Sultan Almohamed and Umesh Chavan have delivered a memorable chapter in Riyadh’s boxing history, highlighting the sport’s growing reach in new markets.

The post Sultan Almohamed vs Umesh Chavan 22.11.2025 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

Reito Tsutsumi announced himself emphatically on the Las Vegas stage with a ruthless first-round stoppage of Javier Martinez on 13 September 2025, delivering one of the standout performances on a stacked night at Allegiant Stadium. Fighting on the undercard of the undisputed super-middleweight championship bout between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford, the young Japanese prospect needed barely over two minutes to take care of business.

Coming into the contest, Tsutsumi carried growing momentum. Earlier in the summer, he had halted Michael Ruiz in the second round in New York, a victory that marked his first stoppage win as a professional. That performance hinted at developing power, but what unfolded in Nevada suggested something far more complete. Against Martinez, Tsutsumi looked composed, calculated and dangerous from the opening bell.

The bout began with both fighters asserting themselves in the centre of the ring. Martinez, ending a long spell of inactivity earlier in the year, attempted to meet Tsutsumi head-on, hoping to disrupt the rhythm of the younger man. For the first minute, there was a brief feeling-out period as each looked to establish timing and distance. Tsutsumi used subtle foot positioning and a probing lead hand, not so much to score but to create openings.

Once those openings appeared, the contest quickly turned one-sided. Tsutsumi mixed his attacks cleverly, digging into the body before switching upstairs. Martinez responded with determination and even found moments of success with single hooks, but he struggled to cope with the variety and accuracy coming back at him. The Japanese fighter’s punches landed with increasing authority, forcing Martinez into retreat.

The decisive moment came just past the halfway point of the round. A sharp combination to the midsection visibly hurt Martinez, draining his resistance. Tsutsumi followed immediately with clean shots to the head, forcing his opponent to the canvas. Although Martinez beat the count, his balance and awareness were clearly compromised. When instructed to move forward, he was unable to comply convincingly, prompting the referee to intervene.

The official stoppage came at 2:18 of the opening round, sealing Tsutsumi’s second consecutive knockout and moving his professional record to 3-0. The manner of the victory was as significant as the result itself. In front of a vast crowd and on a major pay-per-view card, Tsutsumi showed maturity beyond his years, blending patience with explosive finishing instincts.

For Martinez, it was a harsh outcome on a big platform. He entered the bout with a winning record and the hope of re-establishing himself after time away from the ring. However, he found himself overwhelmed by a fighter operating at a higher tempo and technical level.

The Las Vegas debut could hardly have gone better for the rising junior lightweight, who demonstrated that his earlier success was no fluke. In a night filled with elite names and global attention, Reito Tsutsumi ensured that his own performance would not be forgotten, while Javier Martinez was left to reflect on a contest that ended almost as soon as it began.

The post Reito Tsutsumi vs Javier Martinez 13.09.2025 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

Raymond Ford returned to winning ways with a composed unanimous decision victory over Abraham Nova in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, further solidifying his status as a contender in the super featherweight division.

The Camden, New Jersey southpaw, now 18-1-1 (8 KOs), was tested across 10 competitive rounds but ultimately claimed the verdict on all three scorecards by margins of 96-94, 97-93, and 97-93. For Ford, this win marks his third straight success since suffering a setback against Britain’s Nick Ball in the high-profile Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5 event.

Nova, stepping in as a late replacement for Ireland’s Anthony Cacace, entered the bout with a respectable 24-4-1 (17 KOs) record and brought intensity from the opening bell. The Puerto Rican landed two sharp right hands at the close of the first round, signalling his intent to push Ford into uncomfortable exchanges.

But Ford’s slick footwork, rapid counters, and southpaw angles quickly took control. Donning orange trunks that paid homage to Turki Alalshikh’s call for more action-packed encounters, Ford showcased crisp combinations — including a lead right hook and left uppercut to the body that forced Nova onto the defensive in the early sessions.

Though Nova pressed forward, often looking for fight-ending shots, Ford’s tighter defence and sharper timing consistently kept him one step ahead. The sixth round highlighted the difference in class, with Ford landing a clean double-hook combination that left Nova momentarily disorganized.

Still, Nova refused to wilt. He rallied in the middle and late rounds, pressing Ford to the ropes and trying to turn the fight into a brawl. Ford, however, remained calm under fire, slipping punches and countering with precision. By the final round, Ford was ducking under big right hands and answering with clean hooks, sealing a decision that reflected his sharper work across the contest.

Although Ford admitted afterwards that he wasn’t fully satisfied with his showing, the victory keeps him firmly in the title picture at 130 pounds. The 26-year-old has his sights set on WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster but has also stated his willingness to face any belt holder in the division.

Nova, despite the loss, proved durable and game, though his inability to consistently adapt left him chasing the contest. For Ford, this was less about style points and more about securing momentum as he pushes toward reclaiming championship status in a stacked super featherweight class.

The post Raymond Ford vs Abraham Nova 16.08.2025 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

Anthony Cacace produced a masterful boxing display to defeat Josh Warrington via unanimous decision over twelve rounds at Wembley Stadium, successfully defending his IBF super-featherweight title in front of a passionate crowd on 21 September 2024.

The Belfast fighter, who had demolished Joe Cordina inside eight rounds in Riyadh four months earlier, demonstrated improved ringcraft and tactical awareness to overcome the Leeds warrior. All three judges scored convincingly in favour of Cacace, with cards reading 118-110, 117-111, and 117-111.

Warrington emerged from his corner with characteristic intensity, attempting to impose his trademark high-volume attacking style from the opening bell. The former two-time IBF featherweight champion found early success in rounds one and two, pressing forward and digging purposeful body shots whilst slipping inside the longer reach of the champion.

However, Cacace gradually assumed control as the contest progressed, utilising his significant physical advantages at super-featherweight. The 35-year-old champion’s accurate jabbing kept Warrington at bay, whilst his devastating right uppercut became an increasingly potent weapon as the challenger’s head dropped low when attempting to work on the inside.

By the middle rounds, Cacace had established dominance at range, landing crisp combinations and demonstrating excellent footwork to maintain distance. Warrington absorbed heavy punishment in the fourth round, momentarily appearing troubled by the champion’s power, though his renowned durability saw him through the crisis.

The Irishman showcased impressive versatility, alternating between boxing at distance and engaging in selective exchanges when Warrington managed to close the gap. His ability to smother the challenger’s attacks through intelligent holding and positional work proved crucial in nullifying Warrington’s aggressive intentions.

Warrington, displaying the warrior spirit that has defined his career, refused to retreat despite absorbing significant punishment. His bodywork remained committed throughout, landing meaty shots to Cacace’s midsection, yet he struggled to follow up effectively with head shots. The former featherweight champion’s engine never faltered, but the physical disparity at super-featherweight proved insurmountable.

The contest unfolded largely as anticipated, with Cacace’s size, reach, and sharpness overwhelming Warrington’s relentless pressure. The champion’s improved technical execution represented a marked evolution from his previous performance against Cordina, where he had relied more heavily on seeking an early knockout.

Referee Howard Foster maintained good control throughout, though Warrington received warnings for punching behind the head—an infringement that had cost him a point deduction in his previous defeat to Leigh Wood. The Leeds fighter’s fractured jaw from earlier contests raised concerns when Cacace landed a particularly vicious right hand, but Warrington’s granite chin held firm.

As the final rounds approached, Warrington required a knockout but Cacace managed the situation expertly, boxing intelligently whilst conserving energy. The champion’s conditioning at 35 years old impressed throughout the twelve-round championship distance.

In an unusual stipulation, only Cacace’s title was at stake, as the IBF had deemed Warrington ineligible to challenge due to insufficient activity at super-featherweight. Had the champion lost, he would have been stripped regardless.

The comprehensive victory consolidated Anthony Cacace’s position amongst the super-featherweight elite, whilst Josh Warrington faces significant career crossroads following consecutive defeats.

The post Anthony Cacace v Josh Warrington 21.09.2024 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

At the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Charly Suarez delivered a commanding and measured performance to claim the vacant WBO International super-featherweight title, halting late-replacement opponent Jorge Castaneda in the third round. The Filipino contender entered the ring unbeaten, and he left it with his 18th straight victory after a display that blended discipline, accuracy and relentless pressure.

The contest came together swiftly after Suarez’s originally scheduled rival, Andreas Cortez, withdrew due to illness. Castaneda accepted the assignment on short notice, insisting he remained in fighting condition, but from the opening exchanges it became clear he faced a daunting challenge. Suarez, a serving first lieutenant in the Philippine Army with extensive amateur pedigree, began confidently, stepping into range behind a sharp lead hand and immediately finding opportunities for his back-hand right.

Both men probed early, but Suarez’s timing proved decisive. Castaneda attempted to use his height and reach, yet his habit of stepping straight back with his guard parted left him open. Suarez capitalised repeatedly, sending firm rights over the top and combining them with crisp left hooks when his opponent failed to reset. Midway through the first round, a burst of punches along the ropes left Castaneda unsteady, though he managed to cling on and survive the session.

In the second round, the American tried to re-establish distance, flicking jabs and working in single counters, but Suarez’s footwork allowed him to close the gap quickly. The Filipino maintained a compact posture, blocking and returning fire with little delay. Whenever Castaneda attempted to fire combinations, Suarez responded with thudding body shots and switched seamlessly back upstairs, gradually worsening the swelling around Castaneda’s right eye.

The breakthrough arrived in the third. Suarez began the round with renewed urgency, stalking Castaneda and drawing reactions with a series of feints. A disguised right hand set the trap, and when Castaneda instinctively dipped, Suarez curved a left hook around the guard, sending him heavily to the canvas. Castaneda rose at the count, but his legs betrayed the impact. Referee Chris Flores allowed the action to continue, yet the follow-up assault was swift and unforgiving.

Sensing his opponent was finished, Suarez unleashed a clinical barrage—straight shots, hooks and uppercuts delivered with precision rather than recklessness. Castaneda tried to answer but lacked stability, and after another clean sequence shook him, the referee intervened at 2:22 of the third round to prevent further punishment.

For Suarez, it was a showcase on a prominent stage, demonstrating his ability to blend veteran composure with assertive offence. For Castaneda, it was a brave effort in difficult circumstances, hindered by the short notice and the punishing accuracy he absorbed. In summary, the night belonged to the sharp execution of Charly Suarez and the courageous resistance of Jorge Castaneda.

The post Charly Suarez vs Jorge Castaneda 20.09.2024 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

Liam Wilson announced himself as a serious lightweight contender with a devastating eighth-round stoppage of Youssef Dib at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on July 10th, 2024, silencing those who questioned whether the former super-featherweight could cut it at the higher poundage.

From the opening bell, Dib executed a disciplined game plan with admirable precision. The Sydney man moved smartly, utilising sharp footwork and a crisp jab to keep Wilson at distance, refusing to engage on the Australian puncher’s terms. Through the early rounds, Dib made Wilson look uncomfortable, circling away from danger and picking off the advancing lightweight with well-timed counters, most notably a straight right hand that proved his most effective weapon throughout the contest.

Wilson, competing at lightweight after years of gruelling reductions to make super-featherweight — a weight he once admitted caused him enormous difficulty — looked noticeably fresher and more powerful at the heavier limit. His previous outing had ended in heartbreak; a seventh-round TKO defeat to Oscar Valdez in Arizona in March 2024, challenging for the WBO Interim World Super-Featherweight title. That setback appeared to have sharpened his hunger considerably.

As the fight progressed beyond the halfway mark, Dib’s movement inevitably began to slow. What had been an impeccable display of ring craft started to unravel as Wilson’s

relentless pressure and heavy body punching took their cumulative toll. Wilson worked the midriff with particular venom during rounds seven and eight, forcing Dib to absorb punishment that visibly affected his work rate and confidence.

The pivotal moment arrived just 45 seconds into the eighth round. Wilson, sensing his opportunity as Dib’s resistance began to crumble, unleashed his trademark left hook — a shot of such ferocity and speed that it has earned legendary status on the Australian boxing circuit. The punch landed flush and Dib went over, the referee Les Fear waving off the contest without a count necessary.

Despite the eventual stoppage, this was far from a one-sided affair. Dib produced arguably the finest performance of his career across the opening rounds, showing genuine world-class attributes against a man who has challenged twice for world honours. Judges Charlie Lucas and Leanne Reid scored it 67-66 at the time of stoppage, with Chris Condon having Wilson further ahead at 68-65, reflecting just how competitive the bout was before the finish.

Wilson wore blood from his nose for much of the championship rounds, testament to Dib’s accuracy and willingness to stand and trade when the occasion demanded. It was a proper lightweight war that the Wollongong crowd thoroughly enjoyed.

In the closing seconds of a memorable evening in the Illawarra, Liam Wilson demonstrated why that thunderous left hook makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight division, while Youssef Dib proved beyond any reasonable doubt that he belongs at the very highest level of the sport.

The post Liam Wilson vs Youssef Dib 10.07.2024 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

Emanuel Navarrete became a three-weight world champion after overcoming a heavy knockdown to halt Australia’s Liam Wilson in the ninth round at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The dramatic contest, held on 3 February 2023, was for the vacant WBO super-featherweight title.

The bout had originally been scheduled for Navarrete to face Óscar Valdez, but injury forced the Mexican’s countryman out. Wilson, who had been preparing for a different assignment in Las Vegas, seized the chance for a world title and made his American debut in front of a partisan crowd.

Both men arrived amid controversy at the weigh-in. Wilson came in at a career-light 126.3 lbs, nearly four pounds lighter than expected, and expressed concerns about the calibration of the scales. His camp also suggested that Navarrete, who scaled 129.2 lbs, might have exceeded the division’s limit once rehydrated. The grievances were noted, but the fight went ahead as planned.

From the opening rounds, Wilson refused to be overawed. Tall and composed behind his jab, he boxed with discipline, while Navarrete threw from awkward angles, relying on his characteristic relentlessness. The Australian’s moment came in the fourth round when he landed a thunderous left hook, sending Navarrete to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. As the Mexican rose unsteadily, Wilson pressed the attack, and by the end of the fourth he led on all three judges’ scorecards.

The fight threatened to swing further in Wilson’s favour when Navarrete’s legs looked unsteady in the fifth. But the champion-in-waiting steadied himself and clawed his way back into the contest, targeting the body and dragging Wilson into exchanges. By the sixth and seventh, Navarrete’s volume and conditioning began to tell.

Still, Wilson’s right hand repeatedly checked his rival’s momentum, and the bout remained fiercely contested until the ninth. It was there that Navarrete landed a precise right hand to the chin, flooring Wilson heavily. The Australian bravely beat the count but was quickly driven to the ropes, where a barrage of unanswered punches forced referee Chris Flores to wave it off at 1:57 of the round.

Navarrete had landed 152 of 453 punches, compared with Wilson’s 97 of 388, according to CompuBox. The official cards showed Navarrete ahead by margins of 76-75 and 77-74 twice at the time of the stoppage.

Wilson’s camp lodged a protest, arguing that Navarrete received an extended count after his earlier knockdown in the fourth, aided by the time taken to replace his dislodged mouthpiece. The Arizona Commission upheld the result, however, confirming Navarrete as the rightful winner.

For Wilson, it was a valiant performance that enhanced his reputation despite defeat. For Navarrete, it marked his eleventh world title fight – and one of his most dramatic victories to date.

The post Emanuel Navarrete vs Liam Wilson 03.02.2023 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.