Arslanbek Makhmudov came into enemy territory and outworked hometown hero Dave Allen over twelve thrilling rounds to earn a hard fought victory as well as the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title in the process. It took Allen several rounds to get his engine started, but when he did, the crowd erupted in support. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t consistent enough. Makhmudov worked behind his jab throughout the fight, even when backing up. For his part, Allen came forward quite consistently, but didn’t let his hands go until the second half of the fight.
Makhmudov was deducted a point twice, for holding and draping his massive frame over Allen’s, but those point deductions weren’t enough to help the “White Rhino” overcome the “Lion” as Makhmudov won by scores of 115-111, 116-110 and 117-109, to move to 21-2, 19 KOs. Allen falls to 24-8-2, 19 KOs. Allen admitted after the fight, I just wasn’t good enough. He hurt me several times in the fight. I’ve never been hit like that!” Makhmudov praised Allen for having a great chin and said he’s return to the U.K. to face Anthony Joshua if promoter Eddie Hearn could make it happen.
Bilal Fawaz edged Junaid Bostan for the BBBofC English super welterweight title in a rematch of their draw nine months ago. The 37 year-old turned back the clock against the 23 year-old Bostan, earning a majority decision by scores of 96-95, 96-94 and 95-95, moving to 10-1-1, 3 KOs, while Bostan drops his first at 10-1-1, 8 KOs.
In his second fight back since losing a spirited challenge for Shakur Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title back in February, Josh Padley won a comfortable decision over domestic rival Reece Bellotti, by scores of 99-92 and 97-93 twice. It appeared to shock fans and many at ringside as the bout seemed much closer than the lopsided scores, some even giving Bellotti the edge. Padley moves on to improve to 17-1, 5 KOs, while Bellotti falls to 20-7, 15 KOs.
Hamza Uddin won the BBBofC English flyweight title when he dropped Paul Roberts three times via body shots for the automatic stoppage in round five. Uddin moves to 6-0, 3 KOs, while Roberts evens out at 7-7-2, 2 KOs.
(Full undercard report to follow)
