Pacheco, Azeez, Takam & Tszyu Win On A Busy Night Of Boxing
It was an eventful night of boxing across the globe as Liverpool, Paris and Sydney played host to some of the sport’s newest, oldest, and most current stars.
Diego Pacheco ruthlessly dispatched Jack Cullen inside four to continue his path towards the world scene. It was a measured performance from Pacheco, but lined with real spite and malice.
Any pre-fight predictions of Cullen providing a test were suppressed early on as the American found his feet instantly. It allowed him to open up his supply of skills and showcase exactly why he comes with such an electrifying reputation.
It was a whipping left to the body that began the finishing sequence for Pacheco - a shot that Cullen is all too familiar with after his crushing European title defeat two years ago.
Despite making it to his feet, Cullen was wincing, and a swift combination was enough for the fight to be called.
It was a performance worthy of being the main attraction from Pacheco, who no doubt will be looking up towards the business end of a tasty 168lb division.
There was disappointment for Robbie Davies Jr in the co-main as he suffered a horrible ankle injury in his fight with Darrah Foley.
The pair were exchanging after a tentative opening round but, in retreat, Davies Jr’s ankle folded underneath him. He managed to rise, only for the towel to come in. It was clear on replay that the injury left him incapable of being able to fight the fight he wanted.
Best wishes to him in recovery.
To the French capital, and a road warrior style performance from Dan Azeez who added the European title to his growing collection against Thomas Faure.
It was a hostile atmosphere in Paris, but Azeez was just as unfazed with it as he was with the notes of danger Faure handed out in what was largely a one-sided beating.
Azeez threw with intent from early on, and it was that work that built the platform for his success. By the half-way stage, Faure was having to dig deep to even keep a foot in the fight.
Uppercuts, hooks, and straight rights pounded back the Frenchman’s head but still he kept the feverish pace.
But in the final round, it was all too much. A right hand smashed into Faure who was out on his feet. He protested the stoppage, but it saved him from the inevitable knockout blow.
That 12th round stoppage means Azeez has now ticked all the belt-shaped boxes from Southern Area through to European. Now, backed by experience, determination and a craving for challenge, there is only one more honour for Azeez to chase.
Carlos Takam rolled back the years as he defeated Tony Yoka by split decision, despite dominating the 10 rounds. He threw in volume and forced the fight to which Yoka had little answer.
That is now back-to-back defeats for Yoka who, as the shining hope of French boxing, seems to be fading into heavyweight insignificance.
Takam, on the other hand, even at the ripe age of 42, wants something big. That something big?... Martin Bakole.
Sign me up.
And finally, to Australia, where Tim Tsyzu created history in a country that is enjoying its boxing purple patch. His win over Tony Harrison meant he has hold of the WBO Interim strap - 28 years after his father won his maiden world title.
Tzsyu was cruising, before exploding into life in round nine and throwing heavy at Harrison who had no answer. It was composed, accurate, and brutal and sits as a statement to those in and around super-welterweight.
This man is here to stay.
Oscar Bevis